Microscopic examination provided further clues to the stone’s identity. However this stone suspiciously showed SW fluorescence equal to that of LW. The typical ultraviolet fluorescence for padparadscha sapphires ranges from orange to red in both long wave (LW) and short wave (SW), with LW being stronger than SW. Standard gemological testing revealed properties that were typical for corundum, with one exception. One can clearly see the orange color in the fissure, with the pink color from the stone’s body. Photo: Wimon Manorotkul/Lotus Gemologyįigure 2. The lack of gallium and other features suggested this was a cleverly treated melt-grown synthetic pink sapphire designed to imitate padparadscha.įigure 1.The 14-ct sapphire that is the subject of this report. Chemical analysis was performed by the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences’ Bangkok lab. Large fissures across the stone were filled with unusual orange stains displaying dendrite inclusions, along with needles along twin planes and what appeared to be tiny gas bubbles. Testing showed a number of conflicting features. At the time of take-in, the client stated that the gem’s origin was Sri Lanka, but the client was unsure of whether or not it had been treated. In November of 2015, an orangish pink “padparadscha” sapphire of 14 ct was submitted for testing at Lotus Gemology’s Bangkok laboratory. Testing showed a number of conflicting features that suggested the gem was a cleverly treated synthetic pink sapphire designed to imitate natural padparadscha. An orangish pink “padparadscha” sapphire was submitted for testing at Lotus Gemology’s Bangkok laboratory.

Lab grown padparadscha sapphire