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.

This sapphire from East Africa displayed an unusual trapiche-like pattern in reflected light. This was created by exsolution of Fe-rich silk.
Rutile silk takes on a beguiling number of forms in this ruby from Mozambique, everything from fine particles to arrow-shaped darts.
A pair of calcite crystals, identified with micro Raman, stand out against clouds of rutile silk in this ruby from Myanmar.
Phantom clouds, made up of small particles arranged in angular zones, create a striking appearance in this Mong Hsu ruby.
A tiny rutile crystal (identified with micro Raman) was cut through on the surface of this ruby. It is notable for its high luster which appears almost metallic in comparison with the surrounding corundum.
A variety of crystals were present in this Madagascar ruby, which we tested with micro Raman. Analysis revealed that the rounded crystal on the left is apatite, the large block crystal in the center is amphibole, and the small rounded crystals are zircon.
Twin planes are visible in this crystal that is suspended inside of a Mong Hsu ruby.
This Mong Hsu ruby contained a couple mineral inclusions, which were identified with micro Raman. The triangular whitish one is mica, and the lower luster material cut through is diaspore.
A cluster of mica crystals (identified with micro Raman) was cut through on the surface of this Mong Hsu ruby. Note the cottony diaspore silk that can be seen in the background, which is typical of material from this origin.
It is relatively uncommon to see solid inclusions in Mong Hsu ruby, but this stone had a small cluster of transparent crystals. Micro Raman identified them as dolomite.
This cluster of crystals, cut through on the surface of this ruby from Mong Hsu, Myanmar, was identified as dolomite with Raman microscopy.
The natural on the pavilion of this ruby displayed a terraced appearance, reminiscent of a landscape.

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