Burmese Spinel Inclusions

First Published: 7 September 2026

Burmese Spinel Inclusions

Explore Burmese spinel inclusions in Hyperion, the Lotus Gemology inclusion database. Hyperion contains photomicrographs of inclusions and internal features in natural spinels from Myanmar (Burma), documented with information on treatment, lighting conditions, field of view, photographer and published references.

A small cavity containing a mobile bubble can be observed under magnification in this spinel. Raman spectroscopy confirmed that the yellow-orange areas are sulfur-rich fluids. Sample courtesy Rosway.
This negative crystal is filled with a yellowish orange liquid and contains a gas bubble at its center. These fluid inclusions, likely sulfur-rich liquids, are typically observed in Burmese spinels.
A large negative crystal with a mobile gas bubble resides in this unheated Burmese spinel. Analyses with microRaman spectroscopy were inconclusive. However, a near-invisible fissure extends through this negative crystal to the surface. By using a hot point, oil leaked out of this fissure and others around the stone. Therefore, the cavity may be filled with oil.
This spinel before (left) and after (right) filler removal clearly demonstrates that fissure filling with an oil or resin can have a dramatic impact on the appearance of a gem. This is why it it critical that all gems with fissures be carefully checked for fillers.
Octahedral crystals like this one are a classic inclusion in spinel, echoing the crystal structure of their host.
When magnified, tiny octahedra can be observed forming a fine fingerprint in this spinel. These reflect the underlying symmetry of the spinel crystal.
The heat treatment of spinel is quite rare, but not unknown and most of the stones are of a purplish red color. Here we see heat-damaged crystals in a Burma spinel. The best way to identify heat treatment in spinel is generally via the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum, rather than inclusions.
When a gem is heated, it and everything contained in it expands, governed by each material’s coefficient of thermal expansion. Should an included crystal expand more than the host, the result is a tension fissure, such as this around a heated apatite crystal in Burma red spinel.
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.
Complex fluid inclusions like these are typically found in spinel from Burma. The yellowish areas contain a sulfur rich liquid.
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.

Burmese 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 and evaluating a possible Burmese origin.

Burmese Spinel Inclusion Photomicrographs

The Hyperion Burmese spinel gallery includes microscopic features documented in spinels from Myanmar (Burma). Each entry is accompanied by descriptive information and, where available, references to the gemological literature.

What Inclusions Can Reveal About Burmese Spinel

Inclusions are an important part of geographic origin determination in spinel. Their form, composition and associations can provide evidence that, when considered together with other gemological properties, may support or contradict a Burmese origin.

Hyperion combines inclusion photomicrography with supporting gemological information so that individual features can be compared with documented examples from Burmese spinels.

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.

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