British precious stones miner Gemfields Plc claims it had found a 40.23-carat rough ruby at its Montepuez deposit in Mozambique - and it has termed the find as "one of the most important rubies unearthed in recent times".
The miner said the find had been appraised by the Gübelin Gem Lab in Switzerland, ahead of the company's ruby auction in Singapore next month.
"Although difficult to judge in the rough state, the transparency and colour of the crystal indicate an important gemstone might be cut from this piece of rough," said Daniel Nyfeler, Managing Director of Gübelin.
Rubies are traditionally the most prized when they are a vivid crimson with a hint of blue.
However, Mozambican rubies often are a rich pinkish-red colour.
Among the world's most famous rubies are the 100.32 carat Delong Star Ruby and the Hixon Ruby Crystal - a 196.10-carat stone that is touted to be one of the most perfect large ruby crystals in the world.
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