Mystery Included in the Stone
photo credit: teadrinker
Consider that mole on Marilyn Monroe’s left cheek? Would her face be as memorable without it? Who’s to say? But we can say that the little imperfections we each have make us recognizably unique and maybe even valued. So it is with gemstones. Sophisticated consumers recognize that the imperfection in that natural stone contributes to its intrinsic beauty, chiefly because it is a signature of the stone that says it is real, not fake.
These internal imperfections or flaws are called inclusions in the gem trade. Inclusions can be solid, liquid or gas. In short, anything that doesn’t belong to the stone itself is an inclusion. Gemstone inclusions can range from chunky growths of internal foreign minerals to small, microscopic gaseous bubbles.
Often inclusions are not eye visible, but can only be seen with a jeweler’s loupe or under a microscope. Based upon the extent of possible inclusions, a gemstone is classified as either Type I, Type II, or Type III. Type I gems are eye clean; Type II are usually included; Type III are nearly always included.
Lucky aquamarine is a Type I gem, which means that it is usually eye clean. Any inclusions are usually small and unobtrusive, giving the stone a flawless look. The most commonly found inclusions in aquamarine are hollow tubes, which generally do not detract from the stone’s beauty, but do verify its authenticity. By contrast, emerald, which is a family member of aquamarine, is expected to have inclusions.
What does all this mean? There is more to any gemstone than meets the eye. So the next time you gaze into the eternal blue depths of your aquamarine, you might only see color and brilliance, but you will know that hidden within, waiting for your discovery, could be small, microscopic inclusions that add to the stone’s mystery and wonder.
