Cracks Vs Inclusions: Gemstone

Posted on May 10th, 2023 05:42 PM

Gemstones are known for their beautiful appearance, but a slight crack or inclusion may make them look dull. This ultimately affects the buying process. One must understand the major difference between the two. Inclusions are internal features, whereas cracks are on the surface of a gemstone. Thus, we can say that inclusion is not a crack. Getting knowledge about the two is helpful for astrological purposes as well. Let's explore inclusions vs crack more and how their importance is implied in astrology. 

What are Gemstone Cracks?

Cracks in gemstones refer to the lines on the surface that are a result of gradual shock, temperature change, or handling process. On the gemstone's surface, these cracks produce visible thin, straight, or curved lines. In addition, they could show up as slender vertical lines parallel to the cleft plane. If a stone is cut too deeply, if excess force is used, or even if the gemstone is exposed to abrupt heat fluctuations, cracks may form throughout the process of cutting. Natural stones do crack with age and time. Some gems crack due to their chemical composition. For instance, opal stones are amorphous, and their open pores might result in dryness when exposed to high temperatures. The removal of water content results in dryness and builds cracks on the surface of the stone. 

What are Gemstone Inclusions? 

Gems have natural inclusions that are present within them at the time of their formation. These are also called imperfections or blemishes and are mineral crystals or cavities filled with gas or liquid. Blemishes are very small and can be detected with the help of a microscope. Gemstone inclusions types range from liquid, gaseous, and solid to feather or cloudy structures. For instance, sapphire inclusions look like silk needles. These imperfections inside the gemstone give the stone a beautiful appearance, like Kashmir blue sapphires. These imperfactions affect the value of the stone, particularly in these sapphires, as their small presence inside the gem can increase the cost. 

Inclusions vs Cracks in Gemstones: 6 Differences One Should Know 

  • Cracks appear on the surface, whereas imperfections are internal characteristics of a gem. Natural or chemical factors like pressure, temperature, or severe damage are a few instances that might result in cracks. Cracks might make a gem more vulnerable to damage and weaker. Cracks might make a stone more susceptible to damage and weaker. Inclusions do not weaken the gemstone. They affect its overall appearance and price. 
  • Cracks are visible to the eyes as they are on the surface, whereas imperfections or blemishes are present inside and are visible only with the help of a microscope. 
  • A crack or a fracture reduces the value of the stone. Imperfections either decrease or increase the gem’s value. For instance, high inclusions make the stone look dull and obstruct the reflection of light, making it look dull. At the same time, in some cases, they can be priceless like that of Kashmir blue sapphires. 
  • Imperfections are natural to a gem, whereas fractures are a result of physical damage. Not all blemishes are bad, but a fracture reduces the gem's overall beauty and significance. 
  • Inclusions in emeralds are not always bad. These green gemstones are categorized as type 3 according to GIA. This means that these blemishes are always present. They are referred to as “Jardin,” which means “garden.” The appearance of these imperfections gives a moss-like internal appearance to the stone. It does impact the color and clarity of the stone. For example, the higher these internal features are, the darker the stone is, with reduced clarity. Panna stone do have cracks on their edges and they are more susceptible to breakage. Thus, an emerald cut is the best cut suggested for these gems. This cut perfectly shapes the edges, making it suitable for fitting the stone in any jewelry form. 
  • Inclusion in gemstone plays a significant role in identifying whether it is fake or real. Since these internal features are natural, it means that the stone is genuine. On the contrary, the absence of the same may result in a doubt whether it is a glass or a fake gem. However, it should be noted that few gems are devoid of these imperfections and are rare to find. Thus, advice from a reputable jeweler is a must before you see an inclusion-free gemstone. 
Inclusions vs Cracks in Gemstones


Inclusions vs Crack: Significance in Astrology

Is wearing a cracked gemstone correct in astrology? No, one should not wear a cracked stone, as per Vedic astrology. This is because it reduces its effectiveness as an astrological gem. For example, you cannot wear a cracked pukhraj as it will negatively impact the planet's position, and you can go out of wealth and success. However, wearing an included gemstone can be your personal preference. Highly included gems are not preferable in Vedic astrology as they obstruct the vibrational energy for which they are known. Slightly included stones can be considered, but it is better to buy a high-clarity gem for astrological purposes. 

How Do You Know if it is a Crack or Inclusion in Gems?

A crack and inclusion are two different forms of flaws that may be discovered in gems.

A fracture in the stone is a straight hole or may be seen with the unaided eye or under a magnifying glass. It can be brought on by tension or stone injury, as well as by natural occurrences. A crack might go far into the stone and frequently appears as a fine line or break in the gemstone's surface.

On the contrary, joint inclusion is a feature of the gemstone that was naturally seen inside the stone during its development. It may be visible or undetectable to the unaided eye and take on a variety of shapes, such as minerals, gas bubbles, or other things.

There are several ways to tell if an imperfection or flaw in a gemstone is a crack or an inclusion:

Look at the form: Blemishes might be uneven in form and might lack a specific structure, whereas cracks are frequently straight and follow a certain course.

Look at the location: Inclusions are normally located farther into the stone than cracks, which are frequently found on the outermost layer of the stone or close to it. So, fractures are found on the surface, while imperfections are internal. This is the best way you can identify cracks and inclusions at home. 

Use magnification: When seen closely, blemishes appear to be more of a solid item or mass within the stone than cracks, which frequently occur as a thin line or crack in the gemstone's appearance.


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