THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CRACKS AND INCLUSIONS IN GEMSTONES

When it comes to natural gemstones, you may have heard the terms “cracks” and “inclusions” being used interchangeably. However, these terms actually refer to two very distinct types of flaws found in gemstones, and understanding the difference between them is essential for determining the value of a gemstone. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the difference between cracks and inclusions in gemstones, how they affect the quality and value of a gemstone, and what to look out for when examining a gemstone.

WHAT ARE CRACKS IN GEMSTONES?

Cracks in gemstones are often referred to as ‘feathers’, which is a term used to describe surface-breaking fractures that are usually caused by a sudden or gradual shock. These fractures create thin lines that can be seen on the surface of the gemstone and can be either straight or curved. They may also appear as thin vertical lines that are parallel to the cleavage plane. In some cases, the cracks may be deep enough to cause a loss of transparency and clarity.

Cracks can occur during the cutting process, if the gemstone is cut too deep, if there is too much pressure applied, or even when the gemstone is subjected to sudden thermal changes.

WHAT ARE THE INCLUSIONS IN GEMSTONES?

Inclusions are any foreign materials that become trapped within a gemstone during its formation. These materials can include other minerals, air bubbles, fractures, and many other substances. Inclusions may be visible to the naked eye or require the aid of magnification to be seen. Depending on the type and location of the inclusion, it can either have a positive or negative effect on the value of the stone.

Inclusions may also provide information about where a gem was formed or clues about how a gem was altered or treated. Generally speaking, the fewer inclusions in a gemstone have the higher its value.

Inclusions can be of various types such as liquid, gas, crystal, solid, foreign materials, veils, fractures, and feathers. They can be natural or man-made. Natural inclusions are caused by elements in the environment while man-made inclusions are created when a gemstone is artificially altered or treated. It is important to note that not all inclusions are visible to the eye. Some inclusions require magnification to be detected.

Inclusions can provide valuable information about a gemstone's identity and history. In some cases, certain inclusions can be used to identify a particular gemstone and even verify its authenticity. Therefore, inclusions are an important factor to consider when evaluating a gemstone for its value and quality.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CRACKS AND INCLUSIONS?

Cracks and inclusions are two important characteristics to consider when assessing the quality of a gemstone. While they can both have an effect on the value of the stone, it is important to understand how they differ.

Cracks occur due to external physical or chemical forces such as pressure, temperature, or excessive wear and tear. Cracks can potentially weaken a gemstone, making it more prone to damage.

Inclusions, on the other hand, are internal elements that are usually invisible to the naked eye which are the form of minerals, or any other foreign material. Inclusions do not necessarily weaken a gemstone, but they can affect its value depending on how obvious they are.

The biggest difference between cracks and inclusions is that cracks are visible on the surface of a gemstone while inclusions are invisible. Additionally, cracks tend to reduce the strength of the gemstone while inclusions do not typically have an effect on the strength of a gemstone.

HOW TO SPOT CRACKS AND INCLUSIONS?

To spot cracks and inclusions, you will need to examine the gemstone using a 10x loupe or a magnifying glass. When looking through the loupe, you should be able to see the internal structure of the gemstone.

Cracks can appear as linear breaks or tiny cleavages, often with no sharp edges. Inclusions usually look like cloudy spots or bubbles. It is also possible to see fractures, which are curved lines within the gemstone caused by stress from outside forces.

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the difference between a crack and an inclusion. A good way to differentiate is to look for evidence of healed fractures. If a healed fracture looks like it has been filled in with mineral material, it is likely an inclusion rather than a crack.

It is also important to consider the location of any cracks or inclusions. Cracks and inclusions can appear anywhere on the surface of a gemstone, but the most valuable gemstones typically have fewer and fewer visible flaws on the surface.

By carefully examining a gemstone for cracks and inclusions, you can get a better understanding of its quality and worth. It is always recommended to seek the advice of a certified gemologist or jeweler before making any purchases.

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