Afghan Ruby Inclusions

First Published: 7 September 2026

Afghan Ruby Inclusions

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

Two calcite crystals (whose identity was confirmed with micro Raman) are cut through on the surface of this ruby from Afghanistan.
With careful observation we can see an irregular area on the surface of this ruby with a slightly lower luster than the surrounding corundum. Micro raman analysis identified this material as diaspore.
Cottony heated diaspore silk in a ruby from Jegdalek, Afghanistan.
In this ruby believed to be from Afghanistan’s Jegdalek mines, a colorless mineral was cut through on the surface. Micro Raman analysis revealed it to be calcite.
In this ruby believed to be from Afghanistan’s Jegdalek mines, a colorless mineral was cut through on the surface. Micro Raman analysis revealed it to be calcite.
In this ruby believed to be from Afghanistan’s Jegdalek mines, dark orange to black tetragonal prisms were seen. We used micro Raman on one cut through at the surface to confirm its identity as primary rutile. In addition, there were several rounded transparent crystals. The one at the center of this photomicrograph proved to be zircon.
In this ruby believed to be from Afghanistan’s Jegdalek mines, dark orange to black tetragonal prisms were seen. We used micro Raman on one cut through at the surface to confirm its identity as primary rutile.
In this ruby believed to be from Afghanistan’s Jegdalek mines, dark orange to black tetragonal prisms were seen. We used micro Raman on one cut through at the surface to confirm its identity as primary rutile.
One of the most distinctive features of rubies from Afghanistan’s Jegdalek mines are the alternating zones of blue and red color, as shown here. FoV = 7 mm.
Crystals in an untreated ruby from Afghanistan display a metallic luster where they are cut through on the surface. Microraman analysis revealed their identity as hematite.
A crystal (probably a carbonate), along with fingerprints and polysynthetic twinning in Jegdalek ruby
Two crystals with particle trails jet through the depths of a ruby from Afghanistan’s Jegdalek mines. Such particle trails are common next to included crystals as the solids act as a shadow to trap matter as the gem grows in the direction of the trails.

Afghan ruby 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 ruby and evaluating a possible Afghan origin.

Afghan Ruby Inclusion Photomicrographs

The Hyperion Afghan ruby gallery includes microscopic features documented in rubies from Afghan and the Afghan–Cambodia border region. Each entry is accompanied by descriptive information and, where available, references to the gemological literature.

What Inclusions Can Reveal About Afghan Ruby

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

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

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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