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.

Zircon crystals like the ones captured here (ID confirmed with Raman spectroscopy) are a common feature in rubies from Madagascar.
Nests of rutile silk needles, as depicted here, are a common inclusion in rubies from Myanmar’s Mogok stone tract.
A fine sprinkling of silk in particles and tiny needles can be spotted across this ruby from Tajikistan.
This ruby from Tajikistan contains many small crystals surrounded by rosette-like accretion halos.
A metallic crystal that is likely hematite stands out in this untreated ruby.
This ruby contained several small opaque crystals. The one pictured here was cut through on the surface, revealing a metallic luster. Raman spectroscopy identified it has hematite.
Undissolved rutile silk in a ruby believed to originate from Mozambique’s Montepuez mines.
In this ruby believed to originate from Mozambique’s Montepuez mines, we noticed rounded crystal grains within the gem that proved to be pargasite. However, there were two crystals cut through on the surface. Micro Raman analysis showed each of them to be bussyite-(Ce). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time this mineral has been reported as an inclusion in corundum from any locality.
In this ruby believed to originate from Mozambique’s Montepuez mines, we noticed rounded crystal grains within the gem that proved to be pargasite. However, there were two crystals cut through on the surface. Micro Raman analysis showed each of them to be bussyite-(Ce). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time this mineral has been reported as an inclusion in corundum from any locality.
Prior to heat treatment, most rubies from Mong Hsu, Myanmar display a deep blue core. Here it appears in a “V” shape.
Prior to heat treatment, most rubies from Mong Hsu, Myanmar display a deep blue core, as shown here in classic form.
Prior to heat treatment, most rubies from Mong Hsu, Myanmar display a deep blue core, as shown here in classic form.

Search the Complete Hyperion Database

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.