When speaking of Gemstone CLARITY, you are referring to the presence of distinguishing characteristics on and within the stone (or the lack thereof). All Gemstoners are graded based on their appearance under 10x magnification. So when selecting the right Gemstone for you, remember what can be seen under magnification using sophisticated microscopes, may not be easily seen by the naked eye.

Like color, the clarity of Gemstones is a important factor in determining a Gemstones value. Its very rare for a Gemstone to be absolutely perfect. Gemstones have internal features, called inclusions, and surface irregularities, called blemishes. Sometimes, tiny mineral crystals are trapped inside a Gemstone when it forms. Depending on where they're located, they might still be there after the stone has been cut and polished.

Together, a clarity grade is determined by the relative absence of blemishes or inclusions. Some clarity characteristics might have some negative influence on Gemstones value, but they also have positive effects as well like help gemologists separate Gemstone from lab-created Gemstone simulants. It's easier to tell the difference with included Gemstone than with flawless ones.

CLARITY is the second important part in grading colored gemstones.

GEMSTONE TYPES:

• Type 1:
  Gemstones found flawless or nearly so. Stones of this type are often seen as eye clean. Ex: Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Blue Topaz, Tourmaline.
  
  
• Type 2:
  Gemstones found with moderate inclusions. Stones of this type are seldom seen as eye clean. Ex: Ruby, Sapphire, Alexandrite, Garnet, Amethyst, Blue Spinel.
  
  
• Type 3:
  Gemstones found with many inclusions. Stones of this type are rarely seen as eye clean. Ex: Emerald.

CLARITY SCALE:

• Extra Fine:
  Type 1 - Flawless or nearly so under 10X
  Type 2 - Very slightly included under 10X
  Type 3 - Not included to the eye, slightly included under 10X
  
  
• Fine:
  Type 1 - Very slightly included under 10X
  Type 2 - Slightly included under 10X
  Type 3 - Very Slightly included to the eye
  
  
• Good:
  Type 1 - Slightly included under 10X
  Type 2 - More included under 10X possibly becoming visible to the eye
  Type 3 - Slightly included to the eye
  
  
• Fair:
  Type 1 - Heavily included under 10X
  Type 2 - Slightly visible inclusions to the eye
  Type 3 - Included to the eye
  
  
• Commercial:
  Type 1 - Very heavily included under 10X
  Type 2 - Visible inclusions to the eye
  Type 3 - Excessive included to the eye

Like the rest of the Four Cs, clarity influence on value is directly related to its rarity.

To learn about various and tradional methods of gemstone enhancements. Click here

As you read about other THREE of the Four Cs (Color & Cut), you will see how Clarity plays an important role in Gemstone certification.

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