Luc Yen, Vietnam.
A small village in the far North of Vietnam is called Luc Yen where the most beautiful fine white marble is mined. But it is also known to gemologist for one of the most important high quality gemstone source. Rubies, all colours of sapphires and spinel, green and pink tourmaline as well as topaz are among them. I went there in January 2011 and saw some rare specimens which were mined over the last 15 years. Only now that mining for good gems has reclined families bring out goods they collected many years ago. I had the privilege to hold a 20 carat rough clean ruby colour spinel in my hand.
Gem market in Luc Yen
Gold mining south of Luc Yen
Old quarter in Hanoi
Halong Bay
Luc Yen Market
