If you have ever been buying diamonds, you have surely heard about diamond clarity – one of the four main criteria that determine a diamond’s quality. But have you ever wondered what types of diamond inclusions are there and how they occur?
Types of Diamond Inclusions
There are various types of diamond inclusions that developed within the stone at the time it was formed.
Pinpoints and Clouds
Pinpoints are miniscule mineral crystals, sometimes even diamond crystals within the diamond, that often hide from the trained eye, even under magnification. In clusters, they are known as a group of pinpoints.
When those groups are so small that they are only seen as some hazy form, then they are called clouds.
Crystal, Needle and Knot
A crystal is a diamond or other material in its natural raw form that is embedded within the stone.
A needle is a long, narrow crystal, while a knot is a crystal that reaches the diamond’s outer most surface area.
Crystals are often colourless or various shades of white, however, they can be any colour.
By the way, on rare occasions, these crystals can be especially unique and beautiful when they form a heart shape, a bumblebee, or dolphin.
Feather or Cleavage
A feather or cleavage is a void or separated plane within the diamond’s internal structure.
Internal Grain Lines and Twinning Wisps
Internal grain lines are gentle, usually colourless lines caused by irregular growth patterns during the diamond’s formation.
A twinning wisp is a string of small pinpoints, clouds or crystals produced by an irregularity in the crystal structure.
Cavity
The cavity is a small slightly deep curved area typically caused when a crystal near the surface is removed during the diamond cutting and polishing process.
Can Diamond Flaws Appear After Purchase?
Diamond inclusions are permanent. They don’t appear or disappear suddenly and there is no way a new inclusion can occur within your stone.
If you notice there is a new black dot or a line, that should be dirt particles that accumulate on a diamond’s surface over time. Dirt blocks light and reduces the stone’s sparkle, making internal flaws more visible. That is why you should clean your diamond at least twice a month.
Diamonds can develop external flaws like cracks and chips, however, they are not considered inclusions and may be fixed by professionals.
