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.

Prior to heat treatment, most rubies from Mong Hsu, Myanmar display a deep blue core surrounded by layers of cottony diaspore silk, as shown here in classic form.
Prior to heat treatment, most rubies from Mong Hsu, Myanmar display a deep blue core surrounded by layers of cottony diaspore silk, as shown here in classic form.
Solid inclusions are a relatively rare sight in rubies from Myanmar’s Mong Hsu area. This perfectly formed hexagonal prism cut through on the surface, not unexpectedly, turned out to be fluorapatite, as proven by micro Raman.
Solid inclusions are a relatively rare sight in rubies from Myanmar’s Mong Hsu area. This perfectly formed hexagonal prism cut through on the surface, not unexpectedly, turned out to be fluorapatite, as proven by micro Raman.
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.
During a crystal’s growth, conditions may change. The result is reflected by growth features such as zoning, twinning, dislocations, etc. These changes may also influence events that occur after the growth, such as exsolution (the unmixing of a solid solution). In this Mozambique ruby, we can see a zoned cloud of fine exsolved particles that shifts dramatically to much larger exsolved needles/plates.
During a crystal’s growth, conditions may change. The result is reflected by growth features such as zoning, twinning, dislocations, etc. These changes may also influence events that occur after the growth, such as exsolution (the unmixing of a solid solution). In this Mozambique ruby, we can see a zoned cloud of fine exsolved particles that shifts dramatically to much larger exsolved needles/plates.
Undissolved rutile silk is strewn like confetti beneath the table facet of this Mozambique ruby. This is seen when looking down the c axis.

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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.