natural emerald inclusions

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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

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

Multi-phase inclusions with jagged edges in Colombian emerald

Colombian emeralds are known for multi-phase inclusions with jagged, sawtooth-shaped edges.

Three-phase inclusion (solid, liquid and gas) in a Colombian emerald

mineral crystal

Mineral inclusions are found inside this natural emerald

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

Negative crystal

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

​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, GG, ASA, CMA, RGA, AJP, CMSP, CSSP