Have you heard of diamond inclusions? Diamond inclusions are one of the key characteristics of diamond clarity. They are known as imperfections or flaws of diamond due to the extreme pressure and heat experienced during its formation. Some inclusions are impossible to see with naked eyes. Inclusions always affect the brilliance of a diamond as they interfere with the light passage of the stone. In this article, let’s discuss different types of diamond inclusions.
Types of Diamond Inclusions
Crystals and Minerals
We can see the presence of tiny crystals and minerals inside a diamond. Also, a diamond can be embedded with other diamonds. The presence of crystals is not visible to our naked eye. But the clarity of the diamond gets lowered when clusters of crystal highlights on the diamond surface.
Pinpoints
These are the most common type of diamond inclusion. Pinpoints are tiny black spots which look like blackheads on the skin. Larger clusters of minute pinpoints cause a dull look to the diamond.
Feathers
Feathers are the second most common diamond inclusion. These are the cracks within the diamond which resembles feathers. Feathers on the surface of a diamond affect the diamond durability as small blows on them may cause cracking of the diamond.
Laser Lines
This is a machine made diamond inclusion, not a natural one. These inclusions which look like tiny strands of threads are formed when lasers are used to remove the dark crystal inclusions from the diamond. These laser lines appear like it begins at the surface of the diamond and stretches inward.
Girdle Fringes
These hair-like inclusions are formed around the girdle during diamond cutting. Minor fringes do not affect diamond clarity. But major fringes are removed by polishing or re-cutting the diamond.
Grain Lines
Grain lines are formed as a result of irregular crystallization during the diamond formation. Colorless grain lines usually do not affect the clarity of a diamond. But colored or white grain lines can lower the diamond clarity.
Cleavages
These are straight cracks with no feathering. A blow at the cleavage in its correct angle has the potential to split the diamond along its length.
Cavities
Diamond cavities are the least common inclusions. It is like a small hole in the diamond, just like the tooth cavity. Diamonds having cavities are considered as industrial grade and cannot be used for jewelry.