A cluster of tiny graphite (ID’d with micro Raman) flakes can be seen when we peek through the girdle of this spinel. They may appear black in darkfield illumination, but when hit with the beam of our fiber optic light they display a metallic luster.
Natural Spinel • Afghanistan • Enhancements: None Detected (None) • Lighting Conditions: Dark Field + Diffuse Fiber Optic
Photographer: E. Billie Hughes •
Image Number: A-003-7774-1 • Field of View = 1.5 mm • Date Posted: 01 December 2020
Hughes, E.B., Koivula, J.I., Manorotkul, W., Renfro, N. and Hughes, R.W. (2019) Spinel inclusions: An exercise in aesthetics. InColor, No. 43, pp. 48–55; RWHL*.
Gübelin, E.J. and Koivula, J.I. (2005) Photoatlas of Inclusions in Gemstones, Volume 2. Basel, Switzerland, Opinio Publishers, 830 pp.; RWHL*.