The Fiery Heart of Africa: the Allure of Mozambique Rubies

Mozambique Rubies: Latecomers to the Ruby World

Although Mozambique has produced rubies since the Portuguese colonial period (1498-1975), these gems were not comparable to the high-quality rubies found today. Mozambique didn't emerge as a major player in the global ruby market until the early 21st century.

The 2009 discovery of the Montepuez ruby deposit in the northern province of Cabo Delgado marked a turning point in the gemstone industry. The Montepuez deposit is now recognized as one of the world's largest and most productive ruby mines. In 2025, its production capacity is expected to increase from 200 to 600 tons per hour.^[1]

Currently, Mozambique rubies are some of the most sought-after in the world, rivaling even the famous Burmese rubies. In 2022, the mine reportedly produced approximately 10 million carats of rubies,^[2] making it one of the most prolific and consistent sources of high-quality rubies today.

The following chart outlines significant events in Mozambique's ruby mining history from 2008 to 2020.^[3]

The Colors of Mozambique Rubies

Mozambique rubies are categorized primarily by their color and origin. Please note that a Mozambique ruby's color can vary even within a single stone. Factors like lighting conditions and the gem cut can also influence color.

While no strict classification system exists for Mozambique ruby colors, the main types include the following:^[4]

Pigeon's Blood Ruby

"Pigeon's Blood" is the most coveted type of Mozambique ruby. It's characterized by an intense, pure red color comparable to Burmese ruby. Considered the highest quality color, "Pigeon's Blood" rubies command the highest prices.

Orangey Red Ruby

Orangey red rubies have a more vibrant, orange-tinged red color. Although still highly desirable, these rubies may fetch slightly lower prices than "Pigeon's Blood" rubies.

Purplish Red Ruby

Purplish red rubies have a deeper, more purplish hue. While not as common as "Pigeon's Blood" or orangey red, purplish red rubies can look quite striking and hold considerable value.

Mozambique Rubies vs Burmese Rubies

Burmese rubies have long been considered the gold standard due to their rich history and the vivid, deep red color they exhibit. According to Wim Vertriest, head of GIA field gemology, this is the "Decade of Mozambique Rubies."^[3] 

These are the reasons why.

Color

While Burmese rubies are known for their "Pigeon's Blood" red hue, Mozambique rubies offer a slightly different shade, often darker but still incredibly vibrant. Some can even rival the finest Burmese rubies in color.

Clarity

Although often prized for their color, Burmese rubies frequently contain silk inclusions that affect their transparency. On the other hand, Mozambique rubies are known for their exceptional clarity, often requiring minimal enhancement to appear flawless.

Price

You'll find Mozambique rubies at lower prices than Burmese rubies of similar quality. They offer more affordable options for consumers seeking high-quality rubies.

Supply

Due to Myanmar's political and economic situation, gem markets have had an inconsistent supply of Burmese rubies. Currently, Mozambique is one of the most significant and steady sources of rubies.

Ethical Sourcing

Mozambique has tried to ensure that ruby mining practices are more ethical and sustainable. Companies like Fura Gems and Gemfields have taken the lead in promoting transparent mining practices and appealing to today's socially conscious buyers.

The Rise of Mozambique Rubies

Many cultures have long associated rubies with passion, power, and protection. High-end jewelry collections worldwide have increasingly featured Mozambique rubies, which has helped boost their reputation in the luxury market. Their color and clarity have also made them highly desirable for alternative engagement rings.

In June 2023, the 55.22-carat Estrela de Fura ruby from Mozambique sold for a record-breaking $34.8 million at Sotheby's, marking a historic moment for colored gemstones.^[2] This sale highlights the rising prominence of Mozambique rubies, positioning them among the world's most valuable gems.

Types of Mozambique Rubies

Mozambique produces two main types of ruby gemstones — Maninge Nice and Mugloto — named after the most productive mines in the Montepuez area.

Maninge Nice Rubies

Maninge Nice rubies are known for their brilliant color, intense saturation, and strong fluorescence. However, the rough stones often occur flat and heavily fractured, which leads to smaller sizes after cutting. Fractured stones undergo flux healing to improve their durability.

Mugloto Rubies

Mugloto ruby rough stones are bulkier and have fewer fractures than Maninge Nice stones. However, they have darker tones and weaker fluorescence. These stones may require heat treatment to enhance color and reduce blue overtones.

Mozambique Ruby Pricing

Prices for Mozambique rubies have risen, and the demand for pinkish red stones has grown due to their affordability. Stones can weigh up to 40 carats and may be treated or untreated based on rough quality. In our experience, pricing trends for heated rubies and unheated rubies remain similar.

Investment Value and the Future Prospects of Mozambique Rubies

Mozambique rubies are prized for their beauty but also recognized for their strong investment potential. The discovery of the Montepuez deposit has made these rubies more affordable than Burmese rubies. Experts predict a rise in value over time as global demand increases, particularly in markets like China^[5] and India.

Looking ahead, the future of Mozambique ruby mining is bright, with an emphasis on sustainable and ethical practices. Companies like Fura^[6] and Gemfields are minimizing environmental impacts while ensuring local communities benefit economically from the industry. Technological advancements in mining are improving both efficiency and safety. This combination of ethical practices and increased global appreciation secures the position of Mozambique rubies as a valuable asset — for investors and gem enthusiasts.

References

Mozambican Ruby Mine Set to Triple Processing Capacity | The Macao News

When It Comes To Rubies, Is Mozambique the New Star? | The New York Times

Not All That Glitters is Gold — Sometimes it is Mozambican Rubies | GIA

Investing in Mozambique Rubies: Values, Opportunities, & Considerations | Navneet Gems and Minerals

Gemfields says rubies making headway in Chinese markets | mining.com

Fura Gems Unveils "Estrela De Fura," The World's Largest Gem-Quality Ruby | DiamondWorld.Net