Khublai Khans Pearls

From the Dutch lowlands i was informed of this rather peculiar article in an Indian newspaper. While in Mongolia the quest for Chingis Khan's grave has still remained unsuccessful - to the happiness of most locals that is - , Abu Dhabi has a Mongolian treasure of its own:

A saltwater pearl insured for $5 million is due to be auctioned in May in Abu Dhabi. The 115-gram pearl is believed to have been the possession of the grandson of Ghengis Khan, the Mongol emperor Kublai Khan in the 13th century.
According to media reports, the pearl is expected to attract bids of up to $8 million. The head of a gemstone unit at Dubai central laboratory said the pearl dated back to the 12th century and originated in Mongolia

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technorati: mongolia