What Is a Padparadscha Sapphire? [With Pictures]

Sapphires are one of the most beloved gemstones from the earth. From blue to green, and everything between, Sapphires exist in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Of course, the most associated color for sapphires is cobalt blue. Other popular Sapphire colors include green, yellow and pink. Did you know there are some Sapphires that are so rare, they hardly surface from the earth? Meet the Padparadscha Sapphire, the rarest sapphire in the world.

What makes this sapphire so unique? How is it different from regular Sapphires and should you buy them? Read on as we explore all the exciting details of the unique and stunning gemstone that is the Padparadscha Sapphire.

What Is A Padparadscha Sapphire?

Like all Sapphires, Padparadscha Sapphires are made from corundum. The word “padparadscha” comes from the German word “padmaragaya” which means “lotus color.” But that’s not the only historic meaning. Early gemological records associate “padparadscha” with the Sanskrit words, “lotus color,” and “ruby red,” according to a report published by the Gemological Institute of America. The Sinhalese meaning for Padparadscha Sapphires is “aquatic lotus blossom.” As you can see from these many meanings, these salmon hued gemstones get their name from the color of a lotus blossom. And there’s no disputing that their vivid coloring is what makes them the subject of great intrigue and affection. Let’s dive deeper into the history of Padparadscha Sapphires.

Origins of Padparadscha Sapphires

While Sapphires exist in abundance worldwide, Padparadscha Sapphires are very rare. The most valued and highest quality Padparadscha Sapphires come from Sri Lanka. However, there are additional deposits in Madagascar, Tanzania and Vietnam. There is some dispute about the authenticity of sapphires mined from these countries. The contention is largely because these stones are more pink than orange, and do not exhibit the same signature color zoning as Sri Lankan Padparadscha Sapphires.

What do Padparadscha Sapphires Mean?

Every gemstone has its own special meaning, and Padparadscha Sapphires are filled with uplifting symbolism. These stones are believed to provide positive energy, represent joy and foster wisdom. Many people believe that wearing Padparadscha Sapphires will bring the clarity, calm and vital energy necessary to create positive change throughout their lives.

Features of Padparadscha Sapphires

With so many sapphires in the mix, why do Padparadscha Sapphires get their own name? Like rubies, which are red Sapphires, Padparadscha Sapphires are so unique and rare that they have a name all their own. Here are some of the important features that make Padparadscha Sapphires so special:

Color

The unique coloring of these eye-catching Sapphires is what makes them so rare. Padparadscha Sapphires are a beautiful blend of pink, orange, ruby and yellow. While Rubies and Sapphires have a distinctly saturated coloring, Padparadscha Sapphires flash a vivid array of sunset hues. Additionally, they vary in saturation.

If you see a pink or orange Sapphire at a retailer, this does not necessarily mean it is a Padparadscha. In fact, true Padparadscha Sapphires eloquently exhibit a beautiful balance of orange and pink color zoning. And while this gorgeous display of color is a gift from nature, today many Padparadscha Sapphires are treated to enhance the gemstone’s natural color.

Clarity and Cut

Part of what makes Padparadscha Sapphires so stunning is the way they generously distribute light. However, they have light coloring, which means that inclusions are easily visible. Because they are not often eye-clean, clarity is frequently compromised when it comes to valuing Padparadscha Sapphires. However, most of these salmon colored Sapphires are smaller than two carats, meaning the inclusions aren’t as visible as they would be on a large stone. The goal is to always seek out eye-clean gemstones, and because Padparadscha Sapphires are so light, as a buyer you will easily be able to detect any inclusions on the stone. Like their sibling Sapphires, Padparadscha gemstones are available in a variety of shapes and cuts. The most popular cut is oval and cushion with deep pavilions. They are also available in round and emerald cuts, however these are typically more expensive.

Enhancements

Presently, heat treatment is a very common process used to enhance the natural color of Padparadscha Sapphires. That said, heat treated Sapphires are typically equitable in price to non-treated stones. Even so, if an untreated gemstone is of exceptional quality, it can cost up to double the amount of a treated gem. How do you know what you are buying? It’s important to always buy gemstones from reputable jewelers with proof of authenticity, as there are many imitations on the market, as well as low-quality enhancements that can fade over time.

Value and Pricing; How Much Do Padparadscha Sapphires Cost?

Of all the Sapphires in the world, Padparadscha Sapphires are the most rare, and ultimately, the most expensive. Depending on the shape and cut of the stone, they can range from $300 for ¾ a carat, to $30,000 per carat for an exceptional, top-rated gemstone. The price also varies depending on the gemstone’s origin. For example, Padparadscha Sapphires from Madagascar are generally much more pink, and cost 20% less than their Sri Lankan counterparts.

A Recap of Padparadscha Sapphires

As you can see, there’s a good reason why Padparadscha Sapphires are the most rare Sapphires in the world: the color alone makes them stunning. After all, not every gemstone has the honor of looking like a sunset or lotus. These unique stones are precious and stunning, and no two stones are exactly alike. Padparadscha Sapphires are also extremely durable, as they rank 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. This means that these gorgeous gemstones are beautiful to set in your daily jewelry. When shopping for Padparadscha Sapphires, it’s vital to ensure you are buying a true Padparadscha and not an imitation. We highly encourage you to get the sapphire tested by a trusted gemstone lab like GIA to ensure it is an authentic Padparadscha Sapphire. There’s something about Sapphires that everyone loves, and Padparadscha Sapphires take it to the next level: after all, not every gemstone can be one of the rarest in the world.