On the hilltop and on the adjacent slopes,
rubies and
spinels are mined from the primary ruby-bearing marble deposits.
Scapolite,
diopside and
sphene are also found. In 1999, on the northern spoles of Dattaw several illicit hard-rock mines were operating producing mostly ruby and spinel. In 2001 these mines were legalized and the volume of gem mining operations increased.
A fracture-filled deposit and a primary deposit is situated at Pyar-swe-lu (22°57'22"N. 96°31'12"E.) where the ruby-bearing bands are white, greenish-bluish and yellowish with medium to fine grained texture. Scapolite and phlogopite mica are found as accessory minerals in the bands. Rubies are mined using
loo-dwin and
gwè-dwin mining methods.
The mining area of Upper Dattaw is famous for large, fine quality ruby and spinel crystals. Some rubies found in the marble matrix are of a fine red color and high luster, making them exquisite mineral specimens.
Ref: Ted Themelis (2008) Gems and Mines of Mogok, p. 201
Gemstone List