World's most valuable piece of jade - an 18ft monster worth £140million

Stunned miners have unearthed the world's most valuable piece of jade - an 18ft monster worth £140million.

Workers were excavating rare gems at a remote mine in Kachin State, Burma, when they stumbled across the huge jadeite rock.

The remarkable stone weighs a staggering 175 tonnes, measures 9ft high, 18ft long and 18ft wide (pictured inset).

Pictures from the scene of the recovery show local politician U Tint Soe standing next to the giant gem as it towers above him (shown left).

 The boulder will be sent to China where it will be carved up into expensive jewellery and sculptures.