Sapphire Inclusions

First Published: 7 September 2026

Sapphire Inclusions

Explore sapphire inclusions in Hyperion, the Lotus Gemology inclusion database. Hyperion contains photomicrographs of inclusions and internal features in natural sapphire, documented with information on geographic origin, treatment, lighting conditions, field of view, photographer and published references.

Burmese sapphires from the Mogok Stone Tract often contain fissures with a characteristic dendrite-like healing pattern such as that exhibited here. Such features represent subtle clues regarding their origin.
Elongated crystals of a pale brown color were identified via micro Raman as phlogopite mica. Embedded in them were black crystals of primary rutile. Here we can see the phlogopite cut through on the surface.
Elongated crystals of a pale brown color were identified via micro Raman as phlogopite mica. Embedded in them were black crystals of primary rutile.
This pink sapphire contained irregular transparent crystals with black crystals embedded in them. Analysis by micro Raman revealed them to be dravite tourmaline with embedded primary rutile.
This pink sapphire contained irregular transparent crystals with black crystals embedded in them. Analysis by micro Raman revealed them to be dravite tourmaline with embedded primary rutile.
Dark orangey brown crystals stand out sharply against a blue backdrop in this Sri Lankan sapphire. Micro Raman confirmed their identity as phlogopite mica.
This sapphire contained several platey metallic crystals. While we were not able to get a conclusive match on this particular crystal, one of the other crystals in the stone that was cut through on the surface was a good match for graphite, suggesting that this crystal might be graphite as well.
A tiny black crystal was cut through on the surface of this sapphire, Raman spectroscopy identified it as likely being pyrochlore.
An interesting inclusion scene in sapphire from Burma (Myanmar). At the top center we see a cluster of zircon crystals and at the bottom center is a molybdenite crystal. The identities of these crystals were confirmed with Raman spectroscopy.
This opaque, metallic crystal in sapphire was identified as molybdenite with micro Raman.
“The Moment of Impact” — Graphite appears as though it were shattered by a primordial bullet in this blue sapphire. The graphite was identified via micro Raman.
These small irregular crystal grains were identified via micro Raman as anorthite feldspar.

Sapphire inclusions may include mineral crystals, rutile silk, healed fissures, fluid inclusions, negative crystals, color zoning and other features formed during or after crystal growth. Such features are important to gemologists because they can provide evidence useful in identifying sapphire, understanding its geological history, recognizing treatment and, in some cases, determining geographic origin.

Sapphire Inclusion Photomicrographs

The Hyperion sapphire gallery includes microscopic features found in sapphires from major deposits around the world. Each entry is accompanied by descriptive information and, where available, references to the gemological literature.

What Inclusions Can Reveal About Sapphire

Inclusions are an important part of sapphire identification. Their form, composition, orientation and alteration can help gemologists distinguish natural sapphire from synthetic material, recognize evidence of heat treatment, and study the geological environment in which the sapphire formed.

Hyperion combines inclusion photomicrography with supporting gemological information so that individual features can be compared with documented examples from known sapphire deposits.

About Hyperion

Hyperion is the Lotus Gemology searchable inclusion database. It allows users to browse gemstone inclusions by gem type, geographic origin, treatment and keyword.

Search the Complete Hyperion Database