Sapphire called "padparadscha" belongs to a rare and expensive variety of precious minerals of the corundum family. Translated from Sinhala, its name means a combination of shades of a lotus flower and the Ceylon sky at sunset. Thanks to the unusual combination of pink and orange colors, this stone has become the center of attention not only of scientists, but also of collectors. It is generally accepted that real high-quality padparadscha is mined only on the island of Sri Lanka, although its deposits have been found in Tanzania, Vietnam, northern Madagascar and Thailand.
Historical reference
In its pure form, the stone is colorless aluminum oxide. But thanks to certain impurities and various effects of the crystal lattice, the gem acquires a bright and amazingly beautiful color. The mineral will become unique only when it can go through several cycles of irradiation and heating.
Padparadscha was known to our distant ancestors, but no one knows the exact year of its discovery. The name comes from the Sinhala language and literally translates as “morning dawn”. In mineralogy, until the very end of the 19th century, the nugget was stubbornly called ruby.
Another version of the name of the stone leads us to the word “raja” (i.e. prince). Some experts believe that he is endowed with princely dignity.
Place of Birth
Padparadscha sapphire crystal
In Sri Lanka (Ceylon), solar sapphires have been discovered in placer deposits near Ratnapura and Elahera for 2000 years. For a long time these were the only sources of stones. Quite recently, similar gems were discovered in Vietnam, Thailand, Tanzania and Madagascar.
Most often, crystals of 1-2 carats are found, 5 carat specimens are very rare.
Physicochemical characteristics
Padparadscha has a chemical formula of the form: Al2O3. It does not have cleavage and is therefore very fragile. Its melting point reaches 2050 degrees. It can fuse quite slowly with phosphorus salt and borax, resulting in the formation of light glass. It does not fuse with soda at all.
| Property | Description |
| singonia | trigonal |
| Cleavage | not visible |
| Hardness | 9 |
| Density g/cm 3 | 3,98 – 4,10 |
| Molecular weight | 101.96 |
| Maximum birefringence | δ = 0.008 – 0.009 |
| Birefringence | low, primarily gray and white |
| Refractive indices | nω = 1.767 - 1.772 nε = 1.759 - 1.763 |
| Specific gravity | 4 |
| Type | single-axis (-) |
| Selection form | The appearance of crystals in nature is mainly barrel-shaped, dipyramidal, lamellar, and prismatic. Polysynthetic twins are not uncommon. In most cases, crystalline formations are deformed. On the bipyramidal, prismatic, and pinacoid faces there are oblique hatchings. Quite often you can see the formation of fine-grained masses, granular aggregates, and rounded phenocrysts. |
| Kink | uneven conchoidal |
| Typical impurities | Cr, Fe, V, Ti |
| Optical relief | high enough |
| IMA classes | oxides |
| Fragility | quite fragile |
Synthetic padparadscha sapphire
Padparadscha sapphire, synthesized by hydrothermal method
The high retail price of padparadscha is an incentive for craft creativity. Moreover, colorless artificial corundum is produced in tons.
To produce color, an already cut, unpainted or lightly colored stone is placed in a chromium-containing charge and sent to a furnace to be heated to 1800°C. High temperature diffusion colors the outer layers of sapphire, but not always evenly.
The ion implantation method produces less waste. However, ion accelerators, magnetic selectors and other laboratory equipment are inaccessible to most craftsmen, and therefore annealing is used more often. However, ion implantation changes the structure of sapphire to a depth of only one tenth of a millimeter, and this method cannot be called revolutionary.
An experienced jeweler, using a simple magnifying glass, will notice both traces of annealing (which creates a special kind of fracturing) and signs of ion implantation.
Treatment of lightly colored sapphires with warm tones with gamma radiation gives a greater effect. Unfortunately, the energetic restructuring of the crystal lattice is a short-lived phenomenon. Over time, crystals irradiated to Padparadscha standards fade again.
Ennoblement
The rarity and high cost of natural sapphire encourages jewelers to obtain the stone in the laboratory. The raw material is inexpensive, deep purple sapphires. To become pink, they are refined, that is, they undergo heat treatment or irradiation. The longer the procedure, the brighter the result.
Refined and natural specimens look the same; only a specialist using high-tech equipment will find the differences.
- They knew how to transform ordinary-looking stones into precious beauty back in Ancient Rome.
- Today the residents of Madagascar make a living from this. Local technologies were developed before our era, but are not available to European jewelers. It is only known that the processing of pink minerals is shorter and requires lower temperatures than blue ones. When buying ethnic jewelry or a souvenir with sapphires, you can be sure of the quality and naturalness, but not the original color.
Untreated pink stone is a rarity; to confirm its naturalness, each one is supplied with a special certificate.
The country of extraction speaks about the quality; the best crystals come from Sri Lanka or Kashmir. Processing raises the price of low-grade specimens. High quality pristine sapphires are more expensive than artificially improved ones.
Healing properties
Padparadscha
Padparadscha has an amazing effect on the human body. With it, the immune system is protected from any viruses.
- If the nugget is worn in a gold frame, it will provide adequate resistance to bronchial asthma.
- This is an excellent addition to the main treatment: with the help of the stone, the effectiveness of all tablets is increased.
- It is considered a way of rejuvenation.
- It has a good effect on the genitourinary system and fights inflammatory processes.
Romantic story in pink colors
Sapphire is the number one stone for engagement or wedding rings. He owes this to Princess Diana, who received a white gold ring from her future husband, Prince Charles, for her wedding. It features an oval 18-carat sapphire framed with 12-carat diamonds (14 pieces).
In 1981, the gem cost less than $50 thousand, for which snobs scornfully dubbed it “the common people’s sapphire.” After the death of the People's Princess, the ring was kept in the royal treasury.
29 years later, the eldest son of Diana and Charles, Crown Prince William, presented it to his bride Kate Middleton. Today, the ring belonging to the Duchess of Cambridge is estimated to be much more expensive, about $500 thousand.
The favor of crowned persons towards the gem provoked a worldwide sapphire fever. A white-pink duet of stones with platinum or white gold is considered ideal for wedding rings.
Unlike a ruby - a symbol of jealousy or unbridled passion, a soft gem embodies tender affection, trust, and sincerity. The gift of jewelry with it is considered a marriage proposal. This is most often done on Valentine's Day.
The magical properties of padparadscha
Padparadscha, like many natural stones, has strong energy and mystical properties. Regular wearing of the mineral protects the owner from dark forces, damage and the evil eye, protects against accidents, but the main magical property of the crystal is the ability to attract love.
padparadscha ring
It is believed that single people who own padparadscha will quickly cease to be alone - the gem will help them find their soulmate and maintain love feelings.
Esotericists recommend wearing jewelry with orange sapphire to those who cannot tolerate lies - the mineral will bring the liar to light. The stone will help expand your circle of friends, establish new connections and strengthen existing relationships.
Talismans and amulets
If we talk about the unique properties of padparadscha in relation to people, we can highlight the following points:
- The stone has the maximum positive effect on men named Svyatoslav, Vladimir, Maxim and Oleg, as well as on women named Irina and Elena, Tamara and Victoria, Valentina and Olga.
- The mineral increases spirituality in people, which is why it is also called the companion of nuns. It is often used for prayers.
- People of creative professions will also benefit from padparadscha, as it helps to reveal talent, strengthen memory, improve imagination and give birth to brilliant ideas.
- The mineral will be useful for people who are interested in yoga. It accumulates energy from the outside, directs it to the meditator and promotes his purification.
- Padparadscha has the ability to smooth out character flaws. For example, doubting people will become more self-confident, adventurers will learn to weigh decisions, hot-tempered people will become calmer. And passive ones are more energetic.
Stone jewelry
Padparadscha Sapphire Ring
Sun sapphire has a high price due to its unusual colors, iridescence and rarity. Real and expensive stones can be found in jewelry collections. Jewelers emphasize the beauty of the mineral with a frame made of gold or platinum. Padparadschas are harmoniously combined with diamonds and pearls, creating delightful ensembles and compositions.
Padparadscha sapphire is cut into emerald, diamond or oval. They are not processed cabochon. Most often, one stone is set into jewelry. The shades and tints of solar sapphire allow jewelers to create real masterpieces.
Among the famous jewelry with a solar sapphire, the Cartier ring stands out, which combines a ten-carat padparadscha with diamonds. One cannot help but admire the beauty of this necklace from the Cartier collection, which combines sapphires with cascading pearls. Caf collection? Society complements the camellia necklace with padparadscha sapphires and diamonds.
Therapeutic effect
This type of sapphire is valued not only for its combination of different shades, but also for its ability to heal people. In Ancient India, people believed that touching this precious stone allows one to achieve enlightenment and spiritual harmony. Specialists in lithotherapy and traditional medicine claim that the properties of padparadscha are very extensive. The mineral is capable of:
- strengthen the immune system;
- cure asthma, bronchitis;
- slow down aging;
- improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
- relieve pain and inflammation in joints;
- cure diseases of the kidneys and urinary system.
A frame made of white or yellow gold enhances the positive effect of the stone; a healing infusion of the mineral is also used for healing: the sapphire is infused in purified water for at least a day and the drink is consumed before bed.
How much does padparadscha cost?
Padparadscha sapphire pendant
The main thing about padparadscha is the impeccability of the color scheme. The intensity of color has little effect on the cost of the stone. A carat of padparadscha, which combines the classic three colors (pink, orange and red), is valued at no less than ten thousand dollars. Moreover, such inserts do not weigh more than two carats: red corundums are naturally small.
Pink-orange padparadschas are also very expensive. True, such crystals can be quite large and can weigh (already cut) ten carats or more. The price, accordingly, ranges from a thousand or one and a half thousand dollars per carat of a flawless “baby”, and up to thirty to fifty thousand dollars per carat - if we are talking about a two- or even one-gram stone.
How to recognize a fake
Padparadscha
To attract buyers, jewelers often assign a similar term to stones that have nothing to do with sapphires and even rubies. The trade name is also used as a trick, calling a crystal of a similar shade Padparadscha, which is completely incorrect.
Such tricks attract buyers, and many people, who have no idea what color such a sapphire should have, make a rash purchase.
A jeweler will help you find out the truth and recognize padparadscha, but not every craftsman can do this. The difficulty lies in the fact that experts are still arguing about the shade that crystals should have. The palette of shades is not so wide, so it can be difficult to determine the authenticity of the stone.
However, the cost of jewelry will help you recognize a “lotus flower” (that’s what sapphire of a similar shade is called in the East). Jewelry inlaid with padparadscha cannot be cheap, since the crystal is rare in nature and is prized by jewelers. An exception can be considered those minerals that received a tint after processing. But their price is far from affordable.
Interesting Facts
A sapphire wedding marks 45 years of marriage between the spouses. Few live to see this date. But if you have survived, then may God grant you the means to buy paired rings. Your love is clearly worthy of such a treasure.
Sapphires, which are used to make especially durable protective coatings and sapphire glass, including for mobile phone and watch screens, are called leucosapphires and are synthetic.
Intensely rich and velvety, rare sapphires from Kashmir set the standard for blue.
The name of the stone “sapphire,” according to one version, comes from the ancient Greek sappheiros, which means blue stone, and according to another, from the ancient Indian canipriya, which translates as “beloved by Saturn.”
The world's most famous engagement ring: Kate Middleton and Princess Diana's sapphire.
The world's largest cut blue sapphire is called the Blue Giant of the East and weighs 466 carats. The sapphire was found in Sri Lanka in 1907.
How to care for stone
Padparadscha is a very fragile stone, although at first glance it doesn’t seem so. Any scratch or blow can seriously harm it. To prevent this from happening, the nugget must be placed in a special individual box, the basis of which is fabric. Never mix it with other stones!
But padparadscha will tolerate moisture and the rays of the sun calmly. If dust has formed on the stone, simply wipe it with a damp cloth. There is no need to use any additional chemical compounds.
Processing methods
The refining procedure helps create a pink-orange sapphire from colorless stones. During the processing process, the crystal is exposed to temperatures, which leads to a color change. Gamma radiation can also affect the shade of corundum.
The procedure is quite simple and has been known to jewelers for a long time; previously, sapphires were fired in quartz sand. Stones that have been processed are cheaper, and they often have defects:
- microscopic cracks;
- inclusions in the form of dots;
- cloudy color.
It is difficult to understand whether a crystal has been processed or not; sometimes even experienced jewelers cannot cope with this task. To determine the authenticity of a sapphire, a number of tests are used, on the basis of which a conclusion is made.
The stone acquires the desired shade, the color remains for a long time, only contact with reagents can damage the mineral. The sun's rays can affect the shade of a crystal over the years, but the process of color change is very slow.
Sapphire is an evening stone; it should be worn in the dark; under artificial light, the crystal shines with double intensity.
But jewelers don’t like sapphires; the crystals are difficult to process, and cutting them involves certain difficulties. But, despite all the disadvantages, orange-hued corundum is amazing, has complex energy and is not suitable for all people.
Gold ring with padparadscha sapphire
Who is suitable for Padparadscha according to the zodiac?
A rose gold ring with Padparadscha sapphire
Padparadscha suits almost all zodiac signs, with rare exceptions. But this stone is so rare that becoming its owner is a great success.
- Aries can safely rely on this gem. He will become a good assistant for them in difficult situations and when making difficult decisions. These people should internally feel its support and try to understand what exactly this stone wants to “say.”
- He will make Taurus even more purposeful and persistent in achieving their goal. It will give them strength and energy, which will help them resist any pressure from ill-wishers and turn the situation over to their side.
- It is advisable for Geminis to wear such a talisman to all serious events, be it negotiations with investors, meetings with business people or businessmen. It will help them concentrate, think clearly, and delve into all the details so as not to miss the necessary information.
- It will help Cancers understand love relationships and decide on a life partner. Just don’t rush and carefully understand your own feelings, and then turn to the stone for help. Moreover, this requires some time; it is recommended to wear the product with this mineral on your hand, and it does not matter which finger.
- Thanks to Padparadscha, Leos can get rid of depression, bad mood, and indecision. The aura of the stone can have a positive effect on their mental state, calm them down, and direct thoughts and actions in the right direction.
- Virgos should wear jewelry with this stone all the time. This will help them find themselves in society, decide on their occupation, so that work is not a burden to them, but brings not only pleasure, but also a decent reward.
- Padrapaja will help Libra climb the career ladder, even if there are many envious people who will do everything possible to prevent this. The stone can positively influence the well-being of people born under this zodiac sign, but for this they must make a lot of independent efforts.
- Scorpios are able to cope with their problems on their own, but the gem can neutralize the impact of negative energy on such people from their enemies. And it doesn’t matter what shape it’s cut into. He will be your assistant always and everywhere.
- Sagittarians under the influence of the stone become less impulsive, calm, and harmonious. They begin to get along with everyone around them. Many positive aspects appear in their character.
- Whoever the mineral is not suitable for is Capricorns. He is able to absorb everything negative that belongs to such people and multiply these negative qualities. Therefore, such a zodiac sign should pay attention to the warnings and under no circumstances carry this mineral with them all the time.
- Aquarians may not be afraid to become the owner of Padparadscha, but only if they have complete mutual understanding with the stone and there is compatibility. It needs to be checked this way. Before going to bed, place the gem under your pillow for the whole night. The possibility of having this mineral as a talisman will depend on what kind of dream a person has (bad or good), or whether it is better to refrain from such proximity.
- Pisces should pay special attention to this stone. He is able to make them charming and attractive, emphasize their individuality, raise self-esteem, and make them the soul of any company. Moreover, it does not matter how to wear Padparadscha: in the form of jewelry or as a talisman. The result will be the same.
This is interesting
- The stone's name "Padparadscha" is translated from Sinhala as "lotus flower", and refers to its characteristic color, which is reminiscent of lotuses.
- Women of any zodiac sign who carry this sapphire with them will be more attractive to the opposite sex.
- They say that a padparadscha talisman helps you learn unknown secrets.
- The largest specimen of padparadscha (weighing 100.18 carats) is in the Museum of Natural History (New York). This stone is yellow in the center and orange around the edge.
Sources and literature
- Anderson B. Definition of precious stones - M.: Mir, 1983
- Kievlenko E. Ya., Senkevich N. N., Gavrilov A. P. Geology of precious stone deposits - M.: Nedra, 1974.
- Pylyaev M. I. Precious stones - M.: Strelets, 1990.
- Reed P. Gemology - M.: Mir, 2003.
- Litvinenko A.K. Sapphire- and ruby-bearing metasomatites of the South-Western Pamirs. Lipetsk, Leningrad State Pedagogical University, 2006. - 128 p.
- Fersman A. Stories about gems - M.: Nauka, 1974.
- Ruby and sapphire. M.: Nauka, 1974
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Questions/Answers
The theme of sapphires is huge; There’s a lot we didn’t cover in the article. Ask - we will look for answers.
How to distinguish a fake?
Stay safe. Get a certificate and the help of an experienced gemologist. The stone is expensive, and it is better to pay for the services of a specialist than to discover after the purchase that you are holding a fake or a cheaper stone (for example, iolite - they are very similar in color). Doublets are in use, and their new type is causing serious concern among jewelers. It consists of a thin plate of natural sapphire, which is glued along the girdle plane to a base of blue synthetic sapphire.
It is very difficult to distinguish such doublets from natural stones even by instrumental means.
Please note: of all precious stones, sapphire and diamonds are most often counterfeited.
Instant test for hardness. It is second only to diamond in sapphire. Scratch the stone with at least a needle. There will be no trace left on natural stone.
Synthetic and declassed
Hydrothermal sapphires are grown in laboratories. Their composition is the same as that of natural gems. The jewelry is usually designated as “sapphire gt” on the tag.
Declassed stones are low quality natural sapphires.
How to care?
It does not require special care, but jewelers do not recommend steam and ultrasonic cleaning. Microcracks in the stone during such cleaning can destroy it.
Contaminants can be washed off with soapy water and a soft brush, then rinsing with water.
Who should wear it?
People holding high positions.
- Lawyers, judges, law enforcement officers.
- Priests, philosophers, scientists.
- Recommended for mature people (over 35 years old).
Esotericists do not advise people to wear sapphire jewelry:
- irresponsible;
- lazy;
- greedy for material goods.
How to wear?
It is better to wear a ring or a ring on your left hand, on your ring finger. This is for those concerned about starting a family. Place the ring on your index finger to protect against the evil eye.
- Wear the bracelet on your right hand.
- Esotericists consider sapphire pendants to be the most powerful amulets.
- Earrings will help defeat diseases and improve health.
What is the price?
Blue sapphire is a classic, and this classic is very expensive.
The cost of a blue gem with an unknown or unconfirmed country of origin:
| Crystal weight in carats | Price ($US) per carat |
| Less than 1 carat | 150-2000 |
| 1-4 | 550-5000 |
| 4-20 | 2500-13000 |
Blue sapphire, which has an expert opinion on its Burmese origin:
| Crystal weight in carats | Price ($US) per carat |
| 1-3 | 4000-10000 |
| 4-10 | 10000-18000 |
| 10-20 | 18000-37000 |
Cost of top quality padparadscha:
| Crystal weight in carats | Price ($US) per carat |
| 1-3 | 2500-8000 |
| 3-5 | 5500-10000 |
| More than 5 | 7000-15000 |
What colors are there?
The classic color of the gem is blue.
Fancy coloring is available:
- yellowish-orange;
- pink;
- green;
- black.
Colorless sapphires (leucosapphires) are also found.
Where can I buy?
Considering the cost of crystals, online stores and dubious places for selling gems are excluded.
Only salons where they will give you not only a receipt, but also introduce you to the certificate.
Please note: all natural sapphires must have specifications listed. Characteristics for synthetic stones are not indicated.
Abroad - Sri Lanka. Only in state-licensed stores.
Important: the export of unprocessed crystals is prohibited and faces criminal penalties.
When is the best time to buy?
You can buy a gem for yourself or your loved one. This will not diminish his strength.
A stone obtained by deceit or theft will make life unbearable.
Astrologers advise buying a gem on the 8th and 22nd days of the lunar month.
What stones does it go with?
Does not like the proximity of beryl and malachite, pearls and emerald.
Favors diamonds, opals, topaz.
