Spinel Inclusions

First Published: 7 September 2026

Spinel Inclusions

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

Transparent birefringent crystals with strain patterns enliven the interior of this blue spinel from Mogok, Myanmar.
A transparent birefringent crystal in this cobalt-blue spinel from Vietnam stands out in dramatic contrast when viewed between crossed polars.
A birefringent crystal between crossed polars creates a striking image in this Vietnamese spinel.
In Myanmar it has become common practice to oil virtually all gems that contain fissures. Here we see oil-filled fissures dripping oil in a spinel from Mogok.
In Myanmar it has become common practice to oil virtually all gems that contain fissures. Here we see oil-filled fissures in a spinel from Mogok.
A large apatite crystal surrounded by a cluster of others in a spinel from Tajikistan’s classic Kuh-i-Lal locality stand out vividly when viewed between crossed polars.
Unusual stacked dislocations form a hexagonal pattern in this spinel from Mogok, Burma.
Spinels from Burma’s Mogok Stone Tract sometimes display broad zoning patterns. This can often be accentuated by using crossed polars to examine the stone.
Many gems entering the market from Burma have been found to be oiled in an attempt to conceal their fissures. In transmitted light, the trapped air bubbles within the oil-filled fissures appear in high relief black patches.
Many gems entering the market from Burma have been found to be oiled in an attempt to conceal their fissures. This fraud can often be unmasked by using the hot point, which may cause oil drops to leak from fissures.
A large apatite crystal surrounded by a cluster of others in a spinel from Tajikistan’s classic Kuh-i-Lal locality.
Transparent birefringent crystals in spinel with "belly button" spots.

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

Spinel Inclusion Photomicrographs

The Hyperion spinel gallery includes microscopic features found in spinels 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 Spinel

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

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