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.

Fluid inclusions like these are typically found in spinel from Burma. The yellowish cavity is filled with a sulfur rich liquid.
Amazing apatite. Apatite crystals (like this one, which was identified with micro Raman, are common guests in spinels.
Apatite crystal with an embedded graphite platelet. Gemologists often refer to this apatite/graphite combination as a “belly button” apatite. These are common in spinels from Burma.
A series of dislocation needles can be observed when this pink spinel is lit with fiber optic illumination. Inclusions like these are typical for Vietnamese spinel.
A euhedral prismatic crystal, likely apatite, stands out in its spinel host.
Under magnification, bands of dislocations can be observed in this blue spinel. These features are often observed in spinels from Vietnam.
A crystal in this blue spinel is connected to a series of tubes.
This spinel was treated with cobalt diffusion. Signs of the treatment can be seen in the drippy appearance of the fingerprint and slightly melted, rounded edges of the crystal seen here.
Numerous rounded crystals were suspended in this spinel. Analysis with micro Raman determined that they are apatite crystals with a black graphite platelet in the center.
A series of oriented planes can be observed in this spinel. This inclusions have been reported in many blue spinels from Tanzania.
I believe I can fly. A dolomite crystal (identified with micro Raman) appears to take flight as it is flanked by dislocation needle “wings.”
A series of planes can be observed in this spinel when using fiber optic illumination. Such planes have been seen in Tanzanian spinels of various colors.

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