The rarest and the most valuable gem in the Corundum family, is the Padparadscha Sapphire. Its name is believed to be derived from an ancient sanskirt word "padmaraga," lotus flower, and the origin of the German word "padparaschan" indicating the same meaning.
A MELTING BEAUTY OF THE WHOLE CORUNDUM FAMILY
Like no other gem, Padparadscha Sapphire contains all the beautiful colors of Ruby and Sapphire.
In the gem grade, it is agreed among gem dealers and professionals, that Padparadscha Sapphire must contain both pink and orange colors. Pink is known as a lighter shade of red caused by mixing both red and white. Orange is a result of mixing yellow and red. Think of it as a love story in Corundum family between Ruby and Sapphire. Amazing what nature can do between the beauty of lotus flowers and Padparadscha color.
CEYLON AND AFRICAN PADPARADSCHA
Until very recently, Padparadscha was only known to be of Ceylonese origin, until the "African Padparadscha" hit the gem world and changed the rule like most African gems. Corundum was mined in Tanzania that was naturally orangy pink to pinkish orange in a large wide range of tones. Some stones were perfect Padparadscha color and some others were just orange with pink overtone. The "African Pad." as most gem traders call it, just turned the rule of the Ceylonese monopoly of Padparadscha upside down and collectors were able to obtain beautiful Padparadscha in their collection at affordable prices. Unfortunately, good things never last and the production of the African Padparadscha was limited. Today, locating a Padparadscha over one or two carat size is a very difficult task, hunting for a 3ct plus is virtually impossible.
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