Top 10 Most Expensive Pebbles on Earth

7. Padparadscha Sapphire: The Lotus Blossom Gem

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Among the most costly and sought-after gemstones in the world, padparadscha sapphires—known for their unusual pink-orange or salmon color—are The Sinhalese word for lotus blossom, "padparadscha," aptly captures the delicate, floral colour of these remarkable jewels. Prized for their rarity, beauty, and difficulty in striking the ideal mix of pink and orange tones, this uncommon form of corundum holds a particular position in the pantheon of precious stones. Padparadscha sapphires get their colour from a mix of chromium and iron inside the crystal structure, producing a shade that is neither entirely pink nor orange but rather a mesmerising combination of both. With a delicate interaction of warm and cold tones, the perfect padparadscha colour is sometimes characterised as either the flesh of a ripe guava or the sunset sky. Extremely rare in nature, this particular colour range adds much to the value and desirability of the stone. Padparadscha sapphires come mostly from Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Tanzania; each site produces stones with very varied properties. Especially valued for their classic colour and outstanding clarity are Sri Lankan padparadschas. Collectors, investors, and jewellery enthusiasts all greatly value padparadscha sapphires—especially in bigger sizes and with optimum color—because of their scarcity. Padparadscha sapphires can have somewhat different prices, which represent the great spectrum of quality and features present in these jewels. With outstanding stones selling much more at auction, excellent examples can cost tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand dollars each carat. Factors affecting the value are clarity, cut, size, intensity and balance of the pink and orange colours. The most precious stones are those that show a perfect mix of pink and orange without leaning too much in any one hue. Padparadscha sapphires' unusual colour poses difficulties for cutting and mining. The raw crystals sometimes show colour zoning, so careful cutters are needed to orient the stone such that the desired padparadscha hue is maximised. This manufacturing challenge adds even more to the rarity and worth of the stone. Beyond their value, padparadscha sapphires appeal especially to individuals who value the intricacies of great jewels. Inspired by its unusual hue, which seems to radiate from within, designers have produced some of the most beautiful and priceless jewellery items available worldwide. Gem aficioners and collectors are still enthralled with the rareness of the padparadscha sapphire and its exquisite beauty, therefore guaranteeing its place among the most esteemed and valuable jewels available.