Clarity & Inclusions

Introduction

Gemstones, the captivating creations of nature, are often adorned with inclusions, tiny imperfections trapped within their crystal structures. These inclusions, like microscopic fingerprints, tell the story of a gemstone's formation and can add character and uniqueness to the stone. However, inclusions can also affect a gemstone's clarity, a crucial factor in its value and beauty.

Clarity

Clarity refers to the absence or presence of inclusions in a gemstone. A gemstone with no visible inclusions, or eye-clean, is considered to have the highest clarity grade. As inclusions become more noticeable, the clarity grade decreases.

Gemstone Clarity Type

Gemstones are classified into three types based on their expected clarity:

  • Type I: These gemstones typically form under ideal conditions, resulting in very few inclusions. Examples include aquamarine, topaz, and morganite.
  • Type II: Most gemstones fall into this category, exhibiting some visible inclusions under magnification. Examples include ruby, sapphire, quartz, and tourmaline.
  • Type III: These gemstones almost always contain visible inclusions, even to the naked eye. Examples include emerald and opal.

Inclusions

Inclusions provide insights into a gemstone's formation and can be used to identify its origin. For instance, tiny liquid inclusions, known as "feathers" in emeralds, are indicative of Colombian emeralds, while needle-like inclusions, known as "silk" in rubies, are characteristic of Burmese rubies.

Clarity Enhancement Techniques

Gemstones with inclusions may undergo clarity enhancement techniques to improve their appearance. These techniques include:

  • Fracture filling: Filling fractures with a transparent substance to reduce their visibility.
  • Laser drilling: Removing inclusions using a laser, particularly effective for opaque gemstones.
  • Heat treatment: Heating gemstones to improve their colour and clarity.

Conclusion

Inclusions, the imperfections that give gemstones their unique character, also play a significant role in determining their clarity. Understanding the concept of clarity and the classification of gemstones into Type I, Type II, and Type III provides a valuable framework for appreciating the beauty and value of these natural wonders.