Clarity Characteristics

Characteristic or irregularity confined to surface of polished stone.

• Characteristic enclosed w/in gem or reaching the surface:
• 1) Breaks
• 2) Pocket of Fluids
• 3) Foreign Mineral Crystals

• 1. Cleavage
• 2. Parting
• 3. Fracture

*In the trade breaks are called "Feathers" b/c they often look white & feathery

Most threatning type of break b/c of vulnarability in the Crystal Structure-

Flat break w/ step-like appearance

Topaz, Tanzanite, Kunzite & Moonstone (Diamonds) tend to Cleave

A break parralel to Twinning Plane, location of a change of direction in a gems Crystal Structure durring growth

Black Sapphires, most common in

Any break other than cleavage or parting

Often have scallop shape, frequently occur durring gems growth or mining practice

Reach the surface, often treated with epoxy or resin to reduce noticability.

Emerald

Gem's relative freedom from Inclusions & Blemishes

Major part of any Transparent stone's Value

Descripton for gem w/ inclusions only visible under magnification

Mineral Crystal trapped w/in a gem as it grows

Small pocket in gem thats filled w/ fluids & sometimes gas bubbles & tiny crystals