corundum, ruby, sapphire, Vietnam.12, inclusions.5, geology.11, gems

Northern Vietnam began producing significant quantities of rubies and fancy sapphires in the late 1980s. Since then, mining has evolved at the two major producing areas: Luc Yen and Quy Chau. Heavy machinery is now used in both of these remote areas, but small-scale manual mining is ongoing. Efforts continue to establish organized cutting and distribution centers.