Nestled deep in the northern mountains of Vietnam, My hometown, Lục Yên is a place where magic lies beneath your feet—literally. I was born and raised here, and even though I now work in the gemstone trade, there’s still something about my hometown that feels surreal every time I return. If you’ve never heard of Lục Yên, allow me to share with you five stories that make this land so unique. Who knows, by the end of this post, you might just want to book a trip and dig for a gem yourself.

1. Gemstones are everywhere—even by the streams

Yes, you read that right. In Lục Yên, gemstones aren’t just buried deep underground or locked behind glass cases. They hide under riverbanks, between gravel, and sometimes even sparkle beneath your feet after the rain. There are countless stories of locals stumbling upon a garnet or spinel while walking along a stream. Luck here isn’t just a saying—it’s part of everyday life.

2. Ruby is king—and men wear it proudly

If you visit the gem market or walk through the town, don’t be surprised to see men wearing bold red rings or vibrant pink pendants. In Lục Yên, ruby isn’t just a luxury—it’s heritage. Our rubies are known for their intense, unheated color, and local men wear them like badges of pride. It’s one of the few places I know where gemstone jewelry feels completely natural on everyone, regardless of gender.

3. The Single Largest Ruby Found in Lục Yên – a ruby root weighing over a tonne!

In 2020, an astonishing discovery came from An Phú in the Lục Yên district: a colossal ruby-bearing rock estimated to weigh just over 1 tonne was excavated. Measuring roughly 2.6 m tall, 1 m wide, and 0.4 m thick, this gem-filled boulder was widely recognized as the largest ruby root ever documented in Vietnam, possibly the world. It was valued at approximately 6 billion VND (around $260,000 USD at the time), though the owner refused an offer—choosing to preserve it locally as a piece of national heritage instead

4. Gemstones didn’t just bring sparkle—they brought survival

Without gemstones, Lục Yên would likely still be a poor district, tucked away in the hills, struggling to feed its people. But since the 90s, the gem trade has transformed the community. It’s not just about selling stones—entire families now earn a living from related jobs: polishing, jewelry making, running roadside cafés and restaurants near the gem market, hosting traders in small hotels, or transporting stones across the region. This little gemstone economy built a livelihood where there once was none.

5. It’s not just gems—marble is big here too

Aside from rubies and spinels, Lục Yên is home to impressive marble quarries. While some of the marble goes into construction, much of it is carved into stunning furniture and home décor—polished tables, statues, sinks, and vases that reflect the same craftsmanship we put into our gemstones. It’s another side of Lục Yên’s stone story that often gets overlooked.

If you ever get a chance to visit, let me know. I’d love to take you to the morning gem market, show you the riverbeds where stones hide, and maybe even let you try your luck. Whether you find a gem or not, I promise—you’ll leave with a story.