Natural vs. synthetic
Small crystals, fissures, and liquid inclusions generally indicate whether a gemstone is natural. They may not, however, be able to identify, whether it was treated or not. There are always exceptions to this rule, and that’s why laboratories exist to help. Labs can identify if material synthetic e.g. if the stone is glass, it will have swirls.
Each synthetic method has its own inclusions to recognize and identify.
The well-known synthetic method/process, ‘flame fusion,’ is often used to make rubies, sapphires, and spinels. These stones can be identified by white crystals, elongated bubbles, bubble clouds, and curved striae layers amongst other inclusions.
Another well-known synthetic method is the hydrothermal process. It’s used to create emeralds, quartz, opals, rubies, and sapphires. The inclusions often include bread crumbs for quartz, and white veils, nail heads—a two-phase inclusion resembling nails—and a houndstooth pattern for emeralds.
Synthetics are harder to recognize as most of the time they don’t have any inclusions, which is why a gemstone with some natural inclusions is a good thing. The client can be sure he or she bought something natural. The only other way to be sure would be to go to a reputable gemmologist and have it checked.
One could say inclusions can be a jeweller’s best friend. They are important for determining value, durability, and the identity of the gemstone. Ultimately, it’s important for clients who are hesitant to buy gems with inclusion because they fear for the quality to know a stone with a few inclusions is always better than a gem without and no certificate of authenticity.
| GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT INCLUSIONS |
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There are three types of inclusion formation. Protogenetic: Inclusions formed before the crystal host. Pyrite inclusions in emerald would be a perfect example. The pyrite was formed before the emerald crystal was ever created. Syngenetic: Inclusions formed at the same time as the host crystal. These are most of the gas or liquid inclusions seen in gemstones. For example, liquid inclusions in tourmaline, also called hair inclusions, or more scientifically, trichites, are syngenetic. Epigenetic: Inclusions appearing after the formation of the crystal host. Tension fissures in any gemstone or laser-drilled holes in diamonds, also considered a treatment, are epigenetic. |
Lauriane Lognay is a fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (FGA), and has won several awards. Today, she is a gemstone dealer working with jewellers to help them best decide the stones for their designs. She is the owner of Rippana Inc., a Montréal-based company working internationally in coloured gemstones, lapidary, and jewellery services. Contact Lognay via e-mail at rippanaininfo@gmail.com
