What is a padparadscha sapphire?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
A padparadscha sapphire is one of the rarest and most coveted varieties of corundum, distinguished by its unique blend of pink and orange, the colour of a lotus blossom or a tropical sunset. The name comes from the Sinhalese word for that lotus flower. Unlike blue sapphires, which come in a wide range of saturations, a genuine padparadscha must fall within a very specific colour window, neither too pink nor too orange, and too far in either direction makes it simply a pink or orange sapphire. Sri Lanka is the most prized source.
Frequently asked questions
- What colour is a padparadscha sapphire exactly?
- It sits in a narrow sweet spot between pink and orange, often described as a salmon, peach or lotus pink. The key is that both pink and orange must be present in roughly equal measure. A stone that reads predominantly as one or the other falls outside the padparadscha designation.
- Why are padparadscha sapphires so expensive?
- The combination of extreme rarity, the precise colour requirement and strong collector demand makes them among the most valuable coloured gemstones per carat. Fine natural examples from Sri Lanka with no heat treatment are particularly sought after.
- Are there lab-grown padparadscha sapphires?
- Yes, lab-grown corundum in the padparadscha colour range is available and much more affordable than natural stones. The gemological properties are the same as natural sapphire, just created in a controlled environment rather than mined.
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