Oiled Emerald Inclusions

First Published: 7 September 2026

Oiled Emerald Inclusions

Explore oiled emerald inclusions in Hyperion, the Lotus Gemology inclusion database. Hyperion contains photomicrographs of inclusions and internal features in natural emeralds that have undergone fissure filling with colorless oil or resin, documented with information on geographic origin, treatment, lighting conditions, field of view, photographer and published references.

Afghan emeralds often contain cavities with multiple phases, such as this example in the center that shows four different crystals and two different gas bubbles.
Within this emerald, numerous cavities contain liquid, gas and as many as four different solid phases.
This fascinating multiphase inclusion shows an unusual sawtooth pattern on the long edges. Many of the cavities contain liquid, gas and as many as four different solid phases.
When this emerald is illuminated with a longwave UV torch, chalky areas can be observed in the fissures. This is a sign that the fissures contain filler.
Colombian emeralds crystallize from a saline-based brine, remnants of which can be found as three-phase inclusions featuring jagged-edged liquid-filled pockets containing blocky crystals of halite (sodium chloride—rock salt).
Colombian emeralds crystallize from a saline-based brine, remnants of which can be found as three-phase inclusions featuring jagged-edged liquid-filled pockets containing blocky crystals of halite (sodium chloride—rock salt).
Chalky fluorescence, visible in longwave ultraviolet illumination, unmasks filler in the fissures of this emerald.
Chalky fluorescence, visible in longwave ultraviolet illumination, unmasks filler in the fissures of this emerald.
Gorgeous trapiche pattern seen in this emerald from Pakistan’s Swat Valley.
Gorgeous trapiche pattern seen in this emerald from Pakistan’s Swat Valley.
In this resin-filled emerald, an yellow-orange flash can be seen in the filled fracture. This treatment helps to minimize the appearance of fissures.

Search the Complete Hyperion Database

Emeralds commonly contain surface-reaching fissures that may be filled with colorless oil or resin to reduce their visibility. Microscopic examination may reveal features associated with such filling, including differences in relief, flash effects, trapped bubbles or incomplete filling within fissures.

Oiled Emerald Inclusion Photomicrographs

The Hyperion oiled emerald gallery includes microscopic features documented in natural emeralds recorded as having fissure filling with colorless oil or resin. Each entry identifies the recorded treatment and is accompanied by descriptive information and, where available, references to the gemological literature.

What Inclusions Can Reveal About Emerald Treatment

Microscopic examination is an important part of detecting fissure filling in emerald. The appearance of surface-reaching fissures and the materials within them can provide evidence of treatment and help gemologists assess the nature of the filling material.

Hyperion combines inclusion photomicrography with supporting gemological information so that treatment-related features can be compared with documented examples in natural emerald.

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.