Rubies are not just ordinary gems; they are legends of this industry. This is also renowned as the “king of gemstones”. A gemstone that doesn’t require any introduction, liked for its red fiery glow, aura, and timeless charm. From ancient times till now, people have stored it for its secret property. When you see a ruby, you will notice ruby inclusions. Those tiny inclusions narrate a secret tale of ruby and love.
You might have heard that inclusions are flaws, but the reality is they are not. These are the fingerprints of nature on the authentic gem. An original ruby gemstone has inclusions; it doesn’t have the synthetic, glass-filled, or fake appearance. Whether a Burmese ruby inclusion, a Mozambique ruby inclusion, or inclusions in Indian rubies, every gem showcases the character and authenticity. In this blog, we will delve into the origins of Ruby and explore the significance of its inclusion.
Cavities: Little Open Windows
A very common inclusion seen in ruby is a cavity that contains tiny gaps or pits inside this precious crystal. Some become filled during formation, and in modern treatments, glass might be used to fill them. That’s where you get glass-filled ruby inclusions, which are common in treated stones. Natural cavities aren’t a big deal; they’re like tiny windows into the gem’s journey.
Colour Zoning: Nature’s Brushstrokes
A ruby with inclusions showcases the lighter and darker reds, which is called the colour zoning. This process resulted when the chromium spreads unevenly in the crystal. This gem is a challenge for all the cutters.
Twinning Planes: Growth Rings in Crystal Form
Ever seen faint parallel lines inside a ruby? Those are twinning planes—like growth rings in trees. These natural ruby inclusions mark the stone’s growth over time. In some cases, they also trap other inclusions, becoming beautiful imperfections that gemologists love to study.
Fingerprints: The Ruby’s Healing Story
Nothing is more poetic than fingerprint inclusions. They look just like the whorls on your fingertip, but are actually healed fractures. Imagine a ruby cracked years ago to heal and leave a mark. Likewise, both inclusion in Burmese ruby and inclusion in Indian ruby showcase the fingerprints that highlight the story of survival.
Halo or Discoid Fractures: Stress Circles
This inclusion represents ripples in water or in the form of bubbles. Gemologists often see them in heated stones, making them useful clues. In fact, they’re one way to tell a heated ruby from an unheated one. And yes, sometimes they’re linked with bubble inclusion in ruby, where tiny gas bubbles are trapped inside.
Included Crystals: Earth’s Roommates
Rubies sometimes trap other crystals during formation, such as garnet, spinel, or zircon, for example. These are classic natural ruby inclusions, adding personality and helping gemologists confirm origin. A Burma ruby inclusion might look different from Mozambique ruby inclusions, giving experts hints about where the gem was mined.
Pinpoints and Clouds: Sparkle or Sleepy
Pinpoint inclusions are tiny dots. On their own, they’re harmless, but when they cluster, they form clouds, which can make the ruby look hazy. This is what gemologists sometimes call ruby range inclusion—they can range from faint to obvious. Too many clouds can dull the glow, while a few just add uniqueness.
Liquid Inclusions: Trapped Drops of Time
Imagine tiny droplets of liquid or gas trapped forever inside your ruby. These fluid inclusions in ruby gemstones are like natural time capsules, formed when the crystal was still growing deep in the Earth. They might look like bubbles, teardrops, or little flat pockets. Sometimes they even form black inclusions in ruby when they’re surrounded by stress fractures.
Negative Crystals: Ghost Shapes
A ruby inclusion that always intrigues gem lovers is the negative crystal. They’re hollow, geometric, ghost-like shapes inside the gem—like a crystal within a crystal, but empty. They’re rare, mysterious, and completely natural.
Silk: The Velvet Glow
If there’s one inclusion collectors love, it’s silk. These are fine rutile needles running through the stone, creating that soft, velvety glow. When perfectly aligned, silk produces a star effect, giving us the prized star ruby. Heating usually dissolves silk, which is why a ruby with intact silk often means it’s unheated—and far more valuable. These delicate threads are sometimes called hairline ruby inclusions, and they’re a beauty, not a flaw.
Synthetic vs Natural: The Inclusion Difference
Here’s where it gets interesting. A synthetic ruby inclusion doesn’t look the same as a natural ruby inclusion. Lab-grown stones may show curved growth lines or bubbles that are too perfect. On the other hand, synthetic ruby inclusions never have the complex mix you’ll find in a natural gem—like silk, fingerprints, or multi-phase fluids. That’s why inclusions are the gemologist’s secret weapon in separating real from fake.
Do All Rubies Have Inclusions?
Short answer: yes. If you’re wondering, “Do all rubies have inclusions?” the truth is—almost all natural rubies do. An inclusion-free ruby is so rare that if you find one, it’s either astronomically priced or probably synthetic. Instead of fearing inclusions, think of them as your ruby’s personal diary.
Astrological Ruby Inclusions
For those who wear rubies for astrology, inclusions take on an extra layer of meaning. Some believe astrological ruby inclusions amplify energy, making the gem more powerful for courage, leadership, and passion. An astrologer might recommend avoiding glass-filled ruby inclusions, but a naturally included stone? That’s often considered more authentic and spiritually potent.
Buyer’s Tips: Reading Your Ruby’s Story
When shopping for a ruby:
- Look for certifications.
- A few inclusions are acceptable, but avoid those that compromise durability.
- If you spot silk, congrats, you might have an unheated gem.
- Remember: colour always trumps clarity in rubies.
Wrapping It Up: The Beauty of Imperfection
A ruby with inclusions is not a flawed stone; it’s a masterpiece. From fluid inclusions in ruby gemstones to hairline ruby inclusions, each gemstone embarks on its own tale. Whether it’s a Burmese ruby inclusion, Mozambique ruby inclusions, or even an inclusion in synthetic ruby, every detail matters in a gem. Next time you admire a ruby, don’t just see the fiery glow. Look inside—you’ll find scars, bubbles, fingerprints, and silk threads, all whispering the story of a gem that took millions of years to be born. And really, isn’t that way cooler than perfection?
