What should be the ideal color of a sorting pad for colored stones?

The ideal color of a sorting pad for colored stones is neutral. Using a neutral color helps to avoid influencing the perception of the stones' colors during the sorting process. When evaluating colored stones, the goal is to assess their true colors without distractions or distortions caused by the pad's color.

Bright or colorful pads could create reflections or hues that might interfere with the natural appearance of the stones, leading to misinterpretation of color quality. Dark pads might cause some colors to appear differently, especially lighter-toned stones, which can make it difficult to accurately assess their true color.

Therefore, a neutral sorting pad ensures that the natural colors of the stones can be seen clearly and accurately, allowing for a better evaluation and classification. This choice supports the objective of achieving precise and unbiased sorting based on the stones' inherent characteristics.