What Are Diamond Inclusions?

A diamond inclusion is a tiny characteristic(e.g. microscropic crystal) enclosed in a diamond or going into it from its surface. All diamonds have inclusions or clarity characteristics that were formed during natural growth in the earth. A diamond's inclusions are its identifying characteristic, it's what makes each individual diamond unique, no two diamonds are the same. Moreover, inclusions also help in identifying a specific diamond. Inclusions have a big impact on the clarity grade. Getting familiar with the different diamond inclusion terms will allow you to differentiate between a diamond that has a significant inclusion or one that has an inclusion that won't be so significant in affecting its clarity and value. Please take a look at the different diamond inclusions and their definitions below.

* Crystal- a mineral trapped in a diamond.

* Cloud - many microscopic crystals grouped tightly together and this provides a hazy cloud-like appearance when viewing under a 10x loupe.

* Needle- is a tiny, long crystal within a diamond.

* Pinpoint-when viewed under a 10x loupe, this looks like just like a dot, but this is a crystal.

* Feather-a small break inside of diamond that looks like a feather, when viewed under 10x magnification.

* Knot-a crystal within a diamond that actually extends to the surface of the stone.

* Indented Naturals- a small part of the original rough that dips below a polished diamonds surface. Naturals are usually left on the diamond because this saves overall carat weight. These naturals are usually found on the diamond girdle and don't take away from its beauty or clarity grade for that matter.

* Bearded Girdle-tiny feathers that extend from the surface of the girdle to the interior of the diamond.

* Chip-an opening in the diamond that is caused by impact, a chip on a diamond will usually be found on a girdle, culet or facet edges.

* Cavity- an tiny opening in a diamond after a crystal that reaches the surface gets polished out.

* Internal Graining-is caused by irregular crystal growth in a diamond. If seen under 10x magnification, internal graining is characterized by lines, curving lines or angular lines.

* Twinning Wisp- when viewed under 10x magnification, a twining wisp looks like a flat, reflective, flowing ribbon, they can be white or colorful and usually are located around the diamonds center.

* Cleavage- a break in the stone located along a weak atomic plane.

By Edward Calderazzo