Clarity Characteristics - Inclusions Flashcards
What is a Crystal (Xtl)?
A mineral crystal contained in a diamond
Crystals are key in identifying the characteristics of diamonds.
Define Needle (Ndl).
A long, thin crystal that looks like a tiny rod at 10x
Needles can indicate growth patterns in diamonds.
What is a Pinpoint (Pp)?
A very small included crystal that looks like a tiny dot at 10x
Pinpoints can affect the clarity of a diamond.
What does Cloud (Cld) refer to in diamonds?
Many tightly grouped pinpoints that create a hazy appearance at 10x
Clouds can obscure the diamond’s brilliance.
What is a Twinning Wisp (TW)?
A series of pinpoints, clouds, or crystals forming in a diamond’s growth plane
Associated with crystal distortion and twinning planes.
Define Internal Graining (IG).
Lines, angles, or curves that might appear whitish, colored, or reflective at 10x
Caused by irregularities in crystal growth.
What is a Grain Center (GC)?
A small concentrated area of crystal distortion that can be white or dark
Might appear thread-like or pinpoint-like.
What is a Feather (Ftr)?
A general trade term for a break in a gemstone, often white and feathery in appearance
Feathers can impact the durability of the diamond.
Define Etch Channel (EC).
An angular opening that starts at the surface and extends into the stone
Often has striations perpendicular to its length.
What is a Bearded Girdle (BG)?
Minute or minor feathers that run perpendicular to a bruted girdle
Referred to more generally as feathers in the girdle.
What does Bruise (Br) refer to in diamond terminology?
A tiny area of impact accompanied by very small root-like feathers visible at 10x
Typically occurs at a facet junction.
Define Knot (K).
An included diamond crystal that extends to the surface after fashioning
Knots can affect the appearance and value of a diamond.
What is a Patch of Color (Patch)?
A naturally occurring radiation stain left on a polished diamond
Typically a blemish, but can be an inclusion if it extends into the stone at 10x.
What does Chip (Ch) refer to?
A shallow opening caused by damage to the stone’s surface
Typically occurs at a girdle edge, facet junction, or culet.
Define Cavity (Cav).
An opening on the surface that occurs when part of a feather breaks away
Can occur during polishing when a crystal drops out or is forced out.
What is an Indented Natural (IN)?
A portion of the rough’s original surface that dips below the polished diamond’s surface at 10x
Indicates the diamond’s natural state before polishing.
What is a Laser Drill-Hole (LDH)?
A tiny surface-reaching tunnel produced by a laser light beam
Used in treatments to enhance diamond clarity.
Define Internal Laser Drilling (ILD).
Laser drilling within a diamond that doesn’t reach the surface
A method to remove inclusions from diamonds.
