A diamond, seemingly perfect to the unaided eye, reveals a complex world of internal features and external characteristics under magnification. A microscope uncovers the intricate story of its formation and journey from the Earth’s depths to a finished gem.
Internal Characteristics of Diamonds
Under magnification, internal features known as inclusions become apparent. These naturally occurring characteristics, such as tiny mineral crystals, were encased within the diamond during its formation deep within the Earth. Trapped crystals can appear as small dark or light spots, depending on their composition and how they interact with light.
Common inclusions include needles, which are thin, elongated crystal formations, and clouds, hazy or milky areas composed of pinpoint inclusions. Feathers are small, crack-like formations that can appear transparent or white. Knots are small diamond crystals that extend to the surface. The type, size, number, and location of these internal characteristics determine a diamond’s clarity grade.
External Surface Details
A diamond’s surface can exhibit various external characteristics known as blemishes when examined microscopically. These include abrasions, minute nicks along facet junctions that appear as a fuzzy or white line. Scratches, fine lines on the surface, can result from daily wear or handling.
Common blemishes include nicks, small chips on the surface, and pits, tiny indentations. Extra facets are small, non-standard facets often placed during cutting. Natural growth marks, remnants of the diamond’s original crystal surface, may also be present as rough or unpolished areas.
Microscopic Viewing Tools and Methods
Examining a diamond at a microscopic level involves a gemological microscope. These binocular microscopes often provide magnification from 10x up to 60x. Darkfield illumination, which lights the diamond from the side and below, causes inclusions and blemishes to stand out brightly against a dark background.
Fiber optic light sources provide flexible, directed illumination for closer inspection. During examination, the diamond is typically held with tweezers and rotated slowly under the microscope. This allows the observer to scrutinize every facet and angle.
Significance of Magnified Diamond Inspection
Detailed examination under magnification is fundamental in determining a diamond’s clarity grade. Gemologists observe the type, size, number, position, and relief of inclusions and blemishes. They assign a clarity grade from Flawless (FL) to Included (I), based on visibility at 10x magnification. This assessment directly impacts the diamond’s value.
Microscopic inspection also aids in identification and authenticity. The unique combination of internal and external features creates a distinctive “fingerprint” for each natural diamond. This pattern helps identify a specific stone and distinguish natural diamonds from synthetic alternatives or simulants. This assessment provides jewelers and consumers with a comprehensive understanding of the diamond’s quality.