What Are Inclusions in Diamonds?

Author Donald Gianassi

Posted Sep 16, 2022

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Inclusions in diamonds are foreign materials or other diamonds that are trapped inside the crystal structure of the diamond during its formation. Inclusions can occur when the diamond is forming in the mantle, or they can be the result of damage that the diamond has sustained during its journey to the surface. The type, size, number, and location of inclusions can affect the value of a diamond.

Most inclusions are invisible to the naked eye, but some can be seen with the help of a loupe or microscope. Types of inclusions include fractures, clouds, feathers, and included crystals.

Fractures are the most common type of inclusion, and they can occur during the diamond's formation or later in its life. Fractures can be surface-breaking or internal. Surface-breaking fractures are usually the result of damage to the diamond during its journey to the surface, while internal fractures are the result of stress within the crystal structure of the diamond.

Clouds are groups of small inclusions that give the diamond a hazy appearance. Clouds are usually the result of multiple small fractures or included crystals.

Feathers are thin, needle-like inclusions that can occur singly or in groups. They are the result of stress within the diamond crystal, and they can be surface-breaking or internal.

Included crystals are foreign materials that are trapped inside the diamond during its formation. The most common included crystal is graphite, but other materials, such as quartz or bitumen, can also be found.

The size, number, and location of inclusions can affect the value of a diamond. In general, the fewer and smaller the inclusions, the more valuable the diamond. However, some inclusions, such as feathers, can actually add to the diamond's value.

Inclusions can also affect the diamond's appearance. A diamond with many small inclusions may have a blurry appearance, while a diamond with large inclusions may appear dull.

In some cases, inclusions can make a diamond more fragile and more likely to break. In other cases, they can actually make the diamond tougher and less likely to break.

Inclusions can be used to identify a diamond. Each diamond has its own unique pattern of inclusions, which can be used to track the diamond back to its original source.

Inclusions can also tell us about the conditions under which the diamond formed. For example, the

How do inclusions in diamonds form?

Diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring material on Earth, but they are not indestructible. They can be broken, chipped, and cracked under the right conditions. One type of damage that can occur to diamonds is the formation of inclusions.

Inclusions are foreign materials that become trapped inside a developing diamond during its growth. They can be other minerals, crystals, tiny diamonds, or even fluid or gas. Most inclusions are the result of diamond growth being interrupted in some way. For example, if a diamond is growing in a kimberlite pipe that has a small opening, the diamond may only be able to grow to a certain size before it becomes wedged in the opening and can no longer continue to grow. As the kimberlite around the diamond continues to cool and crystallize, the inclusion becomes locked inside the diamond.

Inclusions can also form if the diamond is growing too quickly. When diamonds form at high temperatures, they do so rapidly. If the cooling process is not fast enough, the diamond does not have time to expel all the impurities and foreign materials that are present. These materials become trapped inside the diamond as it continues to grow.

The type of inclusion can tell us about the conditions under which the diamond was formed. For example, fluid and gas inclusions are often found in diamonds that formed at high temperatures. This is because the fluid or gas would have been present in the kimberlite melt and would have been trapped when the diamond crystallized.

Inclusions can also be used to help determine a diamond’s age. This is because inclusions can act as “clocks” that start ticking when the diamond is formed. For example, if a diamond contains an inclusion of a mineral that is known to change over time, the inclusion can be used to date the diamond.

While inclusions can damage the diamond and affect its value, they can also make a diamond unique and more interesting. In fact, many people prefer diamonds with inclusions because they feel that it makes the diamond more “real” and less perfect. So, while inclusions may not be desirable to everyone, they are an important part of a diamond’s story.

What are the most common inclusions in diamonds?

There are a few different types of inclusions in diamonds, the most common being crystals, feathers, and clouds. These inclusions can be found in both the rough stone and the polished gem.

Crystal inclusions are small pieces of other minerals that are trapped inside the diamond during its formation. Feathers are thin, wispy cracks that can run through the diamond. Clouds are a group of tiny inclusions that give the diamond a hazy appearance.

Inclusions are not always considered flaws, in fact, some people believe that they add to the beauty of the diamond. However, they can affect the diamond's value, depending on how visible they are and how many there are.

If you are looking for a diamond with no inclusions, you will want to choose a stone that is graded "eye clean." This means that the inclusions are not visible to the naked eye. However, keep in mind that even "eye clean" diamonds can have inclusions under a microscope.

When it comes to choosing a diamond, it is ultimately up to personal preference. Some people prefer diamonds with visible inclusions, while others prefer the purity of a flawless stone. It is important to keep in mind that no two diamonds are alike, so take the time to examine a stone before making your purchase.

What are the rarest inclusions in diamonds?

The term "inclusion" in the gemstone trade generally refers to any foreign material trapped inside a diamond during its formation. Inclusions can be made up of other minerals, such as garnet or zircon, or even another diamond. Most inclusions are small and invisible to the naked eye, but some can be seen without magnification.

The vast majority of inclusions are relatively common, but there are a few that are considered quite rare. One of the most sought-after is red diamonds. There are only a handful of known red diamonds in the world, and they are extremely valuable. The Moussaieff Red, for example, is the largest known red diamond and is worth an estimated $10 million.

Another rare inclusion is a natural blue diamond. Blue diamonds get their color from trace amounts of boron impurities in the diamond. These inclusions are so rare that blue diamonds make up less than 1% of all gem-quality diamonds. The Hope Diamond, one of the most famous diamonds in the world, is a blue diamond.

Another rare type of diamond is a green diamond. Green diamonds get their color from exposure to radioactive materials during their formation. The Dresden Green, for example, is a famous green diamond that is on display in Germany.

Finally, pink diamonds are also quite rare. Pink diamonds form when trace amounts of nitrogen are present during their formation. The vast majority of pink diamonds are less than one carat in size, making them even more valuable. The Oppenheimer Pink is the largest known pink diamond and is worth an estimated $50 million.

In conclusion, while there are many different types of inclusions in diamonds, some are much rarer than others. Red, blue, green, and pink diamonds are all considered quite rare and are among the most sought-after diamonds in the world.

What are the most valuable inclusions in diamonds?

A diamond is a carbon allotrope that is considered to be the hardest known natural material. They form under high temperature and high pressure conditions within the Earth's mantle. Diamonds are rare, making up less than 0.01% of Earth's crust.

The value of a diamond is determined by its 4 C's: carat, cut, clarity, and color. The carat weight measures how much a diamond weighs. The cut is how well the diamond has been cut and includes the height, depth, angles, and other factors. The clarity is how many blemishes or inclusions and is judged on a 6 point scale from included to flawless. The color is judged on a scale from D (no hue) to Z (a yellow hued diamond).

Diamonds are often used in engagement rings, as they are seen as a symbol of love and commitment. They are also used in other jewelry, such as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. In addition, diamonds are used for industrial purposes, such as drill bits and saws.

The most valuable inclusion in diamonds is color. The most expensive diamonds are those that are totally colorless, which is very rare. The next most valuable is a diamond with a faint yellow hue, as this is still quite rare. The least expensive diamonds are those with a strong yellow hue, as these are the most common.

What are the least valuable inclusions in diamonds?

Inclusions are the internal features of a diamond, and they can be used to help determine a diamond's quality. The four Cs (carat, clarity, color, and cut) are the main factors that affect a diamond's value, and the inclusion grade is a part of the clarity grade. Inclusions can make a diamond less valuable, but they can also affect the diamond's appearance.

The type of inclusion, its size, location, and number will all affect the value of a diamond. The most common inclusions are feathers, clouds, and crystals. Feathers are the fractures that occur when a diamond is cut, and they usually appear as white lines. Clouds are usually tiny crystals that are clustered together, and they can appear as white or light-colored areas. Crystals are the most common type of inclusion, and they can be any type of mineral.

The location of an inclusion can also affect the value of a diamond. Inclusions that are close to the surface of the diamond are more visible, and they can affect the diamond's appearance. Inclusions that are located in the center of the diamond are less visible, but they can still affect the diamond's clarity.

The size of an inclusion can also affect the value of a diamond. Small inclusions are less noticeable and they have less effect on the diamond's clarity. Large inclusions are more noticeable, and they can make the diamond appear included.

The number of inclusions can also affect the value of a diamond. A diamond with fewer inclusions is more valuable than a diamond with more inclusions.

Inclusions can make a diamond less valuable, but they can also affect the diamond's appearance. Inclusions can make a diamond appear included, and they can also cause the diamond to lose its brilliance. Inclusions can also make a diamond appear cloudy or discolored.

The best way to avoid inclusions is to buy a diamond that has been graded by a reputable gemological laboratory. A gemological laboratory will grade a diamond based on its carat weight, clarity, color, and cut. The grading report will also list any inclusions that are present in the diamond.

How can inclusions in diamonds be removed?

Inclusions in diamonds can be removed through a process known as laser drilling. This process involves using a high-powered laser to create a small hole in the diamond, which will then allow the inclusion to be removed.

The first step in laser drilling is to create a small pilot hole in the diamond. This hole is used to guide the laser as it drill deeper into the diamond. The laser is then moved back and forth over the inclusion, slowly drilling deeper into the diamond.

Once the inclusion has been drilled out, the hole that is left behind is filled with a material that is similar in color to the diamond. This filling material is known as a “ filler” and it is used to restore the look of the diamond.

Laser drilling is a fairly simple process, but it does require a skilled technician to perform. If you are considering having laser drilling done to your diamond, be sure to find a reputable jeweler who has experience with this type of procedure.

What are the benefits of inclusions in diamonds?

Inclusion in diamonds is actually a natural phenomenon that occasionally occurs during the formation of the stone. An inclusion is simply a piece of another material that becomes trapped inside the diamond during its growth. The most common type of inclusion is another mineral, known as a foreign crystal. Inclusions can also be other diamonds, small pieces of carbon known as graphite, or even natural growths such as feathers or plant matter. All of these items can become entrapped inside the developing diamond as it grows beneath the Earth's surface.

While some might see inclusions as a flaw, they are actually quite common in diamonds and can actually add to the uniqueness and beauty of the stone. In fact, many admirers of diamonds believe that inclusions make the stone more interesting and beautiful, as they add character and contrast to the diamond's otherwise perfect and flawless appearance.

So, what are the benefits of inclusions in diamonds? First and foremost, inclusions can actually make a diamond more valuable. This is because inclusions are quite rare, and so a diamond that contains them is often seen as more unique and special. Additionally, inclusions can also help to identify a diamond. Much like a fingerprint, no two diamonds will contain the exact same inclusion, meaning that each diamond can be identified by its own individual inclusion.

Overall, inclusions in diamonds can be seen as both a benefit and a curse. While they may be seen as a flaw by some, inclusions actually make a diamond more unique and beautiful. They can also add to the value of the stone, and help to identify it.

Are inclusions in diamonds always visible?

Inclusions are the internal features of a diamond that are different from the surrounding crystal. They can be anything from other minerals that were entrapped during the diamond's formation, to small fractures or fissures that were created during the cutting and polishing process. Not all inclusions are visible to the naked eye, however, and some can only be seen under magnification.

The vast majority of inclusions in diamonds are invisible to the naked eye. In fact, it is quite rare to find a diamond with no inclusions at all. The inclusions that are visible to the naked eye are usually dark-colored minerals such as graphite or hematite. These inclusions can affect the diamond's clarity, but they do not necessarily affect its overall beauty.

Some inclusions, such as fractures and fissures, are not always visible to the naked eye. These types of inclusions can weaken the diamond and make it more susceptible to breakage. However, many diamonds with these types of inclusions are still quite beautiful and are perfectly safe to wear.

Inclusions can also be used to Identify a diamond's country of origin. For example, diamonds from Africa often have inclusions of carbon-rich minerals such as graphite, while diamonds from Australia often have inclusions of the mineral rutile.

In conclusion, inclusions in diamonds are not always visible to the naked eye. However, many inclusions are actually quite beautiful and can be used to identify a diamond's country of origin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are diamond inclusions and why are they important?

Diamond inclusions are small flaws inside of a diamond. Diamond inclusions often result from the conditions of extreme pressure and heat that allow a diamond to form inside the earth’s mantle. These imperfections affect the clarity of the diamond, which is one of the 4Cs that diamond experts use to evaluate and grade each diamond. Diamond inclusions can range from invisible to visible with different levels of clarity. In general, clear diamonds have fewer inclusions while less-clear diamonds have more. Some inclusions, such as blemishes or spider veins, can actually decrease the clarity of a diamond. However, most inclusions only slightly reduce the quality and value of a diamond.

Are these inclusions on my diamond safe to look at?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it largely depends on the nature and size of the inclusions. Some inclusions that are safe to look at may be bigger and cause visual impairments, while others that are smaller may be harmless and only affect the appearance of a diamond. Ultimately, it is up to the jeweller to decide what inclusions are safe for consumers to view.

Do Lab made diamonds have inclusions?

Yes, lab grown diamonds do have inclusions. These are often how jewelers can tell a lab grown diamond from a natural mined diamond. Some people say that these inclusions make the diamond look more beautiful, because they add additional sparkle and luster. Other people believe that these inclusions can reduce the value of a diamond slightly, because some people consider them to be visually distracting. Ultimately, it is up to the individual jeweler as to whether or not they believe that inclusions are good or bad.

Do all diamonds have inclusions?

No. Some diamonds have very few inclusions and others have many. It all depends on the nature of the crystal and the pressure and temperature conditions under which it was formed.

What is diamond clarity and why is it important?

Diamond clarity refers to the number and size of inclusions (small imperfections) in a diamond. In general, diamonds with fewer inclusions are more clarity-perfect than those with more inclusions. Diamonds with smaller inclusions are typically more desirable because they appear less cloudy and blemished.

Donald Gianassi

Donald Gianassi

Writer at CGAA

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Donald Gianassi is a renowned author and journalist based in San Francisco. He has been writing articles for several years, covering a wide range of topics from politics to health to lifestyle. Known for his engaging writing style and insightful commentary, he has earned the respect of both his peers and readers alike.

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