Global Gemology - Rare Gems & Jewels
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natural emerald inclusions


Gemologists can use magnification to determine if an emerald is natural or synthetic, and if it has been treated, by the types of inclusions within the gem.

​Below is a list of inclusions found in natural emeralds.

liquid inclusions


​Liquid trapped inside the emerald.

multi-phase inclusions

Photomicrograph showing boxy, 2-phase inclusions in a natural emerald, mined in Zambia
Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA)

​A 2-phase inclusion is typically a gas bubble trapped inside a liquid.

A 3-phase inclusion is a crystal and a gas bubble trapped inside a liquid.

Colombian emeralds are known for 3-phase inclusions with jagged edges.

Multi-Phase Sawtooth Inclusions

Photomicrograph showing jagged, sawtooth-shaped, multi-phase inclusions in a natural Colombian emerald.  Photo by Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, Global Gemology & Appraisals
Multi-phase inclusions with jagged edges in Colombian emerald

Colombian emeralds are known for multi-phase inclusions with jagged, sawtooth-shaped edges.
Photomicrograph showing 3-phase sawtooth shaped inclusions in a natural Colombian emerald.  Photo by Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, Global Gemology & Appraisals
Three-phase inclusion (solid, liquid and gas) in a Colombian emerald

mineral crystal

Photomicrograph of biotite, pyrite, mica and calcite crystal inclusions in a natural emerald
Mineral inclusions are found inside this natural emerald

​Mineral inclusions including pyrite crystals, transparent calcite crystals & black biotite flakes

Negative crystal

Photomicrograph of a hexagonal-shaped negative crystal inside a natural emerald
Hexagonally shaped negative crystal

Negative crystals are the absence of material, and can be regular, or irregularly-shaped.

fingerprint

Fingerprint inclusion in a natural emerald
Fingerprint inclusion in a natural emerald

​Networks of microscopic, liquid inclusions that can resemble a human fingerprint.

tube-like or needle-like inclusions


Elongated, tube-like or needle-like inclusions.
All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA)
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • SHOP
  • SERVICES
    • APPRAISALS
    • EXPERT WITNESS TESTIMONY
    • SELL YOUR JEWELRY
  • GEMOLOGY
    • GEM ENCYCLOPEDIA
    • THE ART OF GEMOLOGY
  • JEWELRY EDUCATION
    • DIAMOND FACTS
    • JEWELER DIRECTORY
    • JEWELRY PERIODS
    • POCKET WATCHES
    • NATIVE AMERICAN JEWELRY
  • GLOSSARY