A huge jade stone weighing 175 tons has been unearthed in the Southeast Asian country Myanmar. The stone is believed to be worth £140 million and was discovered in a remote mine in the state of Kachin. This precious stone is about 5.8 meters (19 feet) long and about 4.3 meters (14 feet) high.
This stone is second only in size to the carved statue at the Jade Buddha Palace in China which weighs 260 tons.
Miner Sao Min said, “We thought we had won the lottery. But this belongs to the country. It is in honor of our leaders.”
Around 70 percent of the world’s high quality jade comes from Myanmar and this industry makes up around half of the country’s gross domestic product. However, Myanmar’s multi-billion dollar trade is shrouded in controversy and complaints of environmental negligence.
The stone will be sent to China to be carved up into expensive jewelry and sculptures.
Local politician, U Tint Soe said, “The jade is as big as two small houses that are 9 feet square. I assume that it is a present for the fate of our citizens, the government, and our party as it was discovered in the time of our government. It’s a very good sign for us.”
