Beginner's Guide: What Can Emerald Inclusions Tell Us About Origin?
Emerald has long been one of the world’s most popular and valuable gemstones. Since the times of the Ancient Egyptians, emeralds have been viewed as tokens of good fortune and harbingers of new beginnings and rebirth.
While emeralds are fascinating from a historical and culture perspective, they are equally exciting for gemmologists, particularly when it comes to characteristic inclusions.
Birthstones Guide: Emerald for those Born in May
A variety of green beryl, the name 'emerald' is derived from the Greek word smaragdus (meaning green). The green colour of emerald is caused by traces of chromium, but vanadium may also be present in some stones.
Today, emeralds can be found in Colombia, Brazil, India, Pakistan, Siberia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Read more: The 'Emerald Desert' of Western Australia
The inclusions contained in almost all natural emeralds are very useful in distinguishing them from synthetic emeralds and other green stones. The types of inclusions in some emeralds can offer an indication as to their origin - although this is certainly not a foolproof method.
Typical Emerald Inclusions
As you examine more emeralds, either during your studies or out in the field, consider the following localities and the typical inclusions and features that material from these regions can present.
| Locality | Typical Inclusion and Features |
|---|---|
| Colombia | Three-phase inclusions (liquid-filled cavity containing a crystal and a gas bubble) |
| India | Two-phase inclusions (liquid-filled cavity containing a gas bubble) |
| Zimbabwe | Tremolite (usually fibrous or neddle-like crystals) |
| Siberia | Needle-like crystals of actinolite |
| Many Localities | Mica flakes, pyrite and calcite, and also colour zoning |
Examples of these inclusions can be found in the images below, taken by Gem-A tutor, Pat Daly.
Three-phase inclusion in emerald. Image courtesy of Pat Daly.
Needle-like inclusion. Image courtesy of Pat Daly.
Crystal inclusion. Image courtesy of Pat Daly.
When combined with other assessments, such as the refractive index and specific gravity, these inclusions can give an indication as to the country of origin. ■
Interested in finding out more about gemmology? Discover our courses and workshops here.
Cover image needle-like inclusions in emerald. Image courtesy of Pat Daly.
The Fascinating History of Antique Turquoise Jewellery
In his third Gemstone Conversations column for Gems&Jewellery, Jewellery Historian and Valuer John Benjamin FGA DGA FIRV explores the fascinating history of turquoise and its use in jewellery design from the Shahs of Persia to the Art Deco design movement.
Birthstone Guide: Garnet For Those Born In January
If you're lucky enough to be born in January, vibrant garnet is your birthstone. A rainbow jewel of the gem world, garnet displays the greatest variety of colour of any mineral and is very often untreated, making it a rarity in the gem world.
Getting Started with Quartz Inclusions
Do you know your calcite inclusions from your dumortierite, epidote, fluorite and rutile? Here, Charles Bexfield FGA DGA EG explores some incredible quartz inclusions and explains what to look for when shopping for quartz specimens.
Understanding Iridescence: Opals, Pearls, Moonstones and Fractured Stones
Iridescence has to be one of the most mesmerising and magical optical effects seen in gemstones. But have you ever wondered how it occurs? Gem-A's Collection Curator Barbara Kolator FGA DGA shines a light on this fascinating optical effect and tells us about the gems that are most likely to display it.
Hidden Treasures: Highlights of Gem-A's Gemstones and Minerals Collection
Gem-A Gemmology Tutor Pat Daly FGA DGA offers us a glimpse at some of the more unusual items in Gem-A's Gemstones and Minerals Collection.
Tanzanite: The Contemporary December Birthstone
Are you looking for the perfect festive gift for a December baby? Gem-A tutor Lily Faber FGA DGA EG considers tanzanite – one of three birthstones for December – and shares how this relatively new gemstone compares to its purple and blue-hued rivals.
Birthstone Guide: Turquoise For Those Born In December
Beautiful blue turquoise is one of three birthstones for the month of December (in addition to zircon and tanzanite). It is enriched with real cultural significance that can be traced back thousands of years. Here, we explore the blue shades of turquoise and explain what makes this gemstone so special...
Understanding the Cat's Eye Effect in Gemstones
Chatoyancy is the gemmological name given to the curious optical effect in which a band of light is reflected in cabochon-cut gemstones, creating an appearance similar to light bouncing off a cat's eye. Gem-A's Collection Curator, Barbara Kolator FGA DGA explains chatoyancy and highlights some of the many gems in which it can occur.
Jade and its Importance in China
Jade has long been revered by gem lovers internationally, but nowhere more so than in China. But what is it that makes this gemstone so special? Gem-A's Assistant Gemmology Tutor Dr Juliette Hibou FGA gives us an overview of jade, how to identify it and its significance in Chinese culture.
Highlights of Gem-A Conference 2019
The Gem-A Conference is always the highlight of our gemmological calendar! If you didn’t manage to make it, we’ve put together a few of the highlights from this year’s event to fill you in on what you missed, and whet your appetite for Gem-A Conference 2020!