Ruby Clarity
People in the gem trade hope the rubies have at least some inclusions because the inclusion-free rubies are almost non-existent. The value of Ruby depends on how visible the inclusion is. clear inclusions that reduce transparency or brightness dramatically reduce Ruby prices.
If large and prominent inclusions are under the table, they greatly reduce Ruby's transparency, brilliance, and value. Inclusion can also limit the durability of ruby. Significant surface fractures can pose a threat of resistance.
If large and prominent inclusions are under the table, they greatly reduce Ruby's transparency, brilliance, and value. Inclusion can also limit the durability of ruby. Significant surface fractures can pose a threat of resistance.
Characteristics of Ruby's distinctive clarity include the inclusion of thin minerals called needles. When the mineral is rutile and the needle is in the intersecting group, it is called silk. Stone fibers (Silk lines) may be short or long and slender, and may appear to be tightly woven.
Ruby can also contain needles consisting of other minerals, small crystals, zones of color variation, or inclusions that resemble fingerprints.
Some inclusions can really contribute positively to the appearance of gems. The presence of rutile silk causes light to spread on all sides which may be too dark. This adds softness to the color and spreads the color more evenly over the crown of rubies.
Intersecting needles can also cause a star effect, called asterism, if the stone is cut with a curved surface.
Clarity levels in Ruby:
VVS - Very, very little included - small inclusions that can be seen under 10x magnification, but not visible to the naked eye. No effect on appearance.
VS - Very little included - inclusions appear sometimes seen in the eyes without help, and are very easily seen under 10x magnification. Little has no effect on brilliance.
SI1 - Slightly included - large or multiple inclusions that can be easily seen under 10x magnification. This inclusion is very clear with the naked eye. Little effect on appearance, not the slightest effect on brilliance.
SI2 - A little included - clear inclusions that can be seen easily under 10x magnification. A little effect on appearance and brilliance.
I1 - Clear inclusion - significant effects on appearance, brilliance and transparency
I2 - leading inclusions - significant effects on appearance, brilliance and transparency
I3 - Many and prominent inclusions - severe effects on appearance, brilliance and transparency
Ruby can also contain needles consisting of other minerals, small crystals, zones of color variation, or inclusions that resemble fingerprints.
Some inclusions can really contribute positively to the appearance of gems. The presence of rutile silk causes light to spread on all sides which may be too dark. This adds softness to the color and spreads the color more evenly over the crown of rubies.
Intersecting needles can also cause a star effect, called asterism, if the stone is cut with a curved surface.
Clarity levels in Ruby:
VVS - Very, very little included - small inclusions that can be seen under 10x magnification, but not visible to the naked eye. No effect on appearance.
VS - Very little included - inclusions appear sometimes seen in the eyes without help, and are very easily seen under 10x magnification. Little has no effect on brilliance.
SI1 - Slightly included - large or multiple inclusions that can be easily seen under 10x magnification. This inclusion is very clear with the naked eye. Little effect on appearance, not the slightest effect on brilliance.
SI2 - A little included - clear inclusions that can be seen easily under 10x magnification. A little effect on appearance and brilliance.
I1 - Clear inclusion - significant effects on appearance, brilliance and transparency
I2 - leading inclusions - significant effects on appearance, brilliance and transparency
I3 - Many and prominent inclusions - severe effects on appearance, brilliance and transparency
