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.

This spinel contains a rounded forsterite crystal (identified with micro Raman), surrounded by two layered halos of fine, milky particles.
A smattering of tiny triangular growth markings covers the pavilion facets of this spinel. Usually these would be removed with cutting and polishing, but in this case they were left on the stone, a reminder of the stone’s natural origin.
This red spinel from Tanzania’s Mahenge deposit contains thin places of what is probably mica, along with a two low-relief crystals of unknown identity containing embedded black crystals.
A strikingly textured crystal, likely metal sulfide, is beautifully suspended within this spinel. Sample courtesy Pamir Gems.
Under the girdle of this spinel, a tiny “fingerprint,” or partially healed fissure, can be spotted.
Under magnification, a small, transparent crystal stands out in this spinel. This is likely a carbonate or apatite.
Dislocations in this spinel mimic the appearance of barbed wire.
These exclamation mark-shaped crystals make a strong statement in their spinel host. They were identified as dolomite using Raman spectroscopy.
Fine dislocation needles, as pictured here, are frequently seen in spinels from Vietnam.
A gas bubble floats inside this cavity in a spinel from Burma. To date, we have not been able to verify whether this is a natural or man-made feature. Specimen courtesy Gil Yuda.
A small, rounded crystal can be seen suspended in this spinel. Analysis with micro Raman identified it as a dolomite.
Complex fluid inclusions like these are typically found in spinel from Burma. The yellowish areas contain a sulfur rich liquid.

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