Natural Ruby Inclusions

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

While analysis with micro Raman did not yield conclusive results for this inclusion, it is likely a primary rutile crystal.
Several dark primary rutile crystals are visible in this Mogok ruby.
A variety of solid inclusions can be seen in this Myanmar (Burma) ruby. At the bottom we have a pair of transparent apatite crystals. At top left there is a cluster of dark primary rutile crystals, and at top center there are some small, transparent feldspar crystals.
These mica crystals, encapsulated in a ruby from Mogok, Myanmar (Burma), show a series of striations on their surfaces.
In the center of this scene in an untreated ruby from Mogok, Myanmar (Burma) we can see a pair of calcite crystals. Angular color zoning can also be observed.
A lone zircon crystal can be observed in this Mogok ruby.
A mica crystal is ensconced in a cluster of rutile silk needles in this unreated Mogok ruby.
Micro Raman identified this crystal, trapped in a ruby host, as spinel.
This Myanmar ruby contained a striking cluster of angular crystals. Analysis with micro Raman revealed that they are spinel.
In this inclusion scene in a Mogok ruby, we can view a transparent scapolite crystal.
This large, transparent crystal is suspended in a ruby from Myanmar’s Mogok stone tract. In crossed polars, as shown here, we can interference colors that suggest the crystal is doubly refractive. Micro Raman analysis identified the inclusion as titanite (sphene).
This large, transparent crystal is suspended in a ruby from Myanmar’s Mogok stone tract. Micro Raman analysis identified it as sphene.

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

Natural Ruby Inclusion Photomicrographs

The Hyperion natural ruby gallery includes microscopic features found in rubies 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 Natural Ruby

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

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