Emerald (Panna Stone) is a gemstone that has been admired for centuries, known not only for its stunning green colour but also for the powerful benefits it holds. These stones are believed to promote healing, enhance wisdom, and bring clarity to one’s thoughts. But when you take a closer look at an emerald, you might notice something intriguing, like tiny marks, specks, or lines inside the stone. These unique patterns are called inclusions in emeralds.
So, what exactly are these marks? Why does every emerald stone seem to have its own set of inclusions? Should these flaws be avoided, or do they actually add to the stone’s beauty? And how do they impact emerald stone clarity and its overall value?
In this guide, we will explore the different types of Panna inclusions and help you understand how these marks influence not just the value but also the beauty and benefits of emerald. Let’s dive in and discover the fascinating world of emerald inclusions.
What Are Inclusions?
Inclusions are natural imperfections or features that form within a gemstone as it develops beneath the Earth’s surface. While most gemstones are judged by their clarity, emeralds are different. Emeralds fall under the category of Type III gems, which means they almost always have some kind of inclusion. The French refer to these inclusions as "jardin", meaning "garden", a perfectly suitable term, as the inclusions often resemble moss or tiny plants growing within the stone.
Inclusions in emeralds aren’t flaws; they are a sign of the gemstone’s natural origin and history. They add a level of uniqueness to each emerald, making every stone one of a kind.
Why Emerald Stone Often Has Inclusions?
Emeralds are formed deep within the Earth under extreme pressure and heat, which is why they often contain inclusions. These imperfections can include everything from tiny gas bubbles to other mineral crystals. Unlike diamonds or zircon, which tend to form with minimal inclusions, emeralds develop under such intense conditions that their inclusions become a natural and expected part of their character.
Some inclusions can even help identify the origin of the emerald, making them a valuable diagnostic tool for gemologists. Colombian emeralds, for example, often have specific types of inclusions that set them apart from stones mined in other regions like Zambia or Brazil.
Suggested Reads: Difference Between Colombian, Zambian, and Brazilian Emeralds
Types of Inclusions in Emerald Stone
Emeralds can have a wide range of inclusions, each adding its own unique mark to the gemstone. Here are some common types of inclusions in emerald stone:
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Crystals
Tiny mineral crystals, such as pyrite or calcite, can become trapped inside the emerald as it forms. These inclusions are often used to help identify the stone's origin, as different regions produce different types of crystals.
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Liquid Inclusions
One of the most common emerald stone inclusions, these are pockets of liquid inside the stone. Sometimes these liquid inclusions contain gas bubbles, creating a two-phase inclusion, or even a three-phase inclusion, where liquid, gas, and crystal all coexist.
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Needles
Long, thin crystal inclusions that can look like tiny threads running through the emerald. These inclusions are often considered beautiful and don’t usually affect the stone's clarity or strength.
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Veils and Feathers
These are wispy, feather-like inclusions that form when the emerald experiences pressure during its formation. Some people see these as a flaw, but they are actually a testament to the stone's resilience.
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Fingerprints
Fingerprint inclusions are more commonly found in sapphires (read: yellow sapphire inclusions), but they can also occur in emeralds. Similar to the marks left by human fingerprints, these inclusions form when the emerald crystal cracks and heals over time. They can resemble intricate, swirling patterns of tiny tubes or bubbles that give the stone a distinctive character.
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Growth Tubes
Tiny hollow channels that run through the emerald. These can create star-like patterns, especially when filled with liquid. They are a rare and fascinating inclusion to find.
How Inclusion Type, Location, and Size Affect Value and Durability
The price impact of inclusions in emerald stone can vary depending on a few factors:
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Type of Inclusions
Some inclusions, like feathers or needles, are common and don’t usually affect the value significantly. However, inclusions that impact the transparency or cause cracks (like fingerprints or liquid inclusions) may lower the stone’s price.
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Location of Inclusions
Inclusions that are close to the surface or create visible cracks can affect the durability of the emerald, making it more susceptible to damage. Jewellers often treat these inclusions by oiling the stone to fill the cracks and improve clarity.
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Size of Inclusions
Generally, the larger the inclusion, the more likely it will affect the emerald stone clarity. Smaller, less noticeable inclusions are less likely to affect the emerald's price, while larger inclusions may lower its value, especially if they detract from the stone's overall appearance.
Despite the impact on price, many people appreciate emeralds for their natural inclusions, which add a layer of history and authenticity to the gemstone. Inclusions in emeralds aren’t viewed as flaws but as part of the stone’s story. In fact, the absence of inclusions in an emerald stone is often suspected as an indication of a lab-grown emerald.
Learn More Here: Natural vs Lab-Grown Emeralds
How to Identify Inclusions in Emerald Stone
Knowing how to spot inclusions in emerald stone is crucial, especially if you are buying one. Here’s how you can identify them:
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Magnification:
Use a jeweller's loupe or magnifying glass to inspect the emerald closely. This will allow you to spot inclusions like needles, feathers, or even tiny gas bubbles trapped inside.
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Light Reflection:
Turn the emerald under different lighting conditions. The inclusions can change how the light reflects off the stone, giving you a better view of their size and location.
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Consult a Gemologist:
If you are unsure about the inclusions, have the emerald professionally evaluated. A certified gemologist can provide a detailed report on the clarity, origin, and authenticity of the stone.
More Insights: 7 Ways To Identify An Original Emerald Stone
Emerald Treatments
Emeralds are often treated to improve their appearance. One common treatment is oiling, where the emerald is soaked in oil or resin to fill in surface cracks and improve the clarity of inclusions. This treatment enhances the emerald's overall appearance, but it's important to note that it doesn't alter the stone's natural characteristics.
If you are purchasing an emerald stone, always ask if it has been treated, as this can impact both its value and durability.
Conclusion
Emeralds are truly unique gemstones, and their inclusions are what make them special. Far from being imperfections, these inclusions tell a story of the emerald’s natural formation and history. Whether it’s a tiny gas bubble, a delicate needle inclusion, or a fingerprint-like mark, each emerald has its own personality.
When choosing an emerald stone, don’t just focus on its clarity; embrace the inclusions, as they are part of the gem’s charm. After all, the most beautiful things in life often come with a little bit of history, imperfection, and uniqueness.
FAQs
1. Can inclusions reduce the astrological power of an emerald stone?
No, inclusions do not reduce the astrological power of the emerald, unless they hinder the passage of light through the stone. Minor inclusions can be ignored.
2. How do inclusions affect the price of an emerald?
The price of an emerald can be affected by the type and size of inclusions. While inclusions add to the uniqueness of each stone, large and evident inclusions tend to impact the price of an emerald. In a nutshell, the fewer the inclusions in emerald, the higher the price of the stone.
3. Are inclusions in emerald stones bad?
Not necessarily! Inclusions are natural and expected in emeralds. They are often considered part of the gemstone’s charm and individuality. In fact, a perfectly clean emerald is so rare that it might be synthetic or extraordinarily expensive.
4. How do I identify inclusions in an emerald?
Inclusions can be identified with the help of a jeweller's loupe or magnifying glass. A professional gemologist can also provide a detailed report about the stone's inclusions and authenticity.
