Inclusion Analysis
Overview
Inclusions are internal features that provide crucial information about a gem's identity, origin, and whether it's natural or synthetic. They are the gemstone's "fingerprint."
How It Works
Using microscopy and specialized lighting, gemologists identify and document inclusions. Different gem species, localities, and formation conditions produce characteristic inclusion assemblages.
Equipment Needed
- Gemological microscope
- Darkfield and brightfield illumination
- Fiber optic lighting
- Immersion cell
- Reference materials
Procedure
- Examine gem under various lighting conditions
- Identify inclusion types (crystals, needles, liquids, etc.)
- Note distribution patterns and relationships
- Compare with known reference inclusions
- Document findings with photomicrography
Typical Values / Results
| Gemstone | Value / Observation |
|---|---|
| Burma Ruby | Short rutile silk, calcite, apatite |
| Kashmir Sapphire | Tourmaline, zircon, "milky" appearance |
| Colombian Emerald | Three-phase inclusions, pyrite |
| Zambian Emerald | Amphibole, mica, blocky inclusions |
| Sri Lanka Sapphire | Long rutile silk, zircon halos |
Limitations
Clean gems may lack diagnostic inclusions. Some inclusions are common to multiple localities. Expert interpretation required.