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Below
are the definitions we use to describe the
clarity of gems:
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Internally Flawless
(IF)
– If a gem
has been inspected under a microscope (40x
or higher) and found to be free of inclusions.
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Loupe
Clean (LC)
– Gems that are free from inclusions even
under 10X loupe magnification. |
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Eye
Clean (EC or VVS)
– Gems that are clean to the naked eye.
If there are inclusions, a loupe or other
magnification may be needed to see
them. Some gem sellers call this "Very
Very Slightly Included" (VVS).
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Very
Slight Inclusion (VS)
- These gems have some small inclusions,
but they will not diminish the brilliance
and beauty of the gem. Gemstones such as
Prehnite
or Friedelite,
many not be included with visible particles,
crystals, hairline fractures or bubbles,
but may have a sleepy or soft and velvety
quality. This means they are not eye clean
but do appear to be free of specific inclusions.
This "sleepiness" does not usually
detract from the beauty of a gemstone and
in the case of Prehnite, may add to its
beauty. A good quality Prehnite may appear
to "glow" with velvety color.
Gemstones with a higher degree of "sleepiness"
may also be called cloudy or Translucent.
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Slight
Inclusion (SI)
- These gems have some inclusions visible
to the naked eye but not to the extent of
affecting the brilliance of the gem.
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Moderate
Inclusion (MI)
- These gems have some inclusions visible
to the naked eye and are ranked between
SI and I.
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Included
(I) -
These gems have some larger and/or many
minor inclusions that somewhat diminish
the brilliance of the gem. Some gem types,
such as Bixbite
and Emerald,
are almost always included to some degree
and not usually expected to be eye clean
or better.
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Transparent
(Tp)
- Transparent gems allow light to pass through
them without diffusing the light. |
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Translucent
(Tl)
- Translucent gems allow light to pass through
them, but the light is somewhat diffused.
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Opaque
(O)
- Light can't pass through the gem. |
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Clarity
Types for Colored Gemstones using GIA Clarity
Types |
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Type
1
- Gemstones that are normally found to be
clean.
Examples: Amethyst, Aquamarine,
Heliodor
(yellow Beryl), Chrysoberyl (yellow), Citrine,
Kunzite, Tanzanite, Topaz (blue).
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Type
2
- Gemstones that normally may have
a few inclusions.
Examples: Alexandrite,
Andalusite, Iolite, Peridot, Rhodolite,
Ruby, Sapphire, Spinel, Tourmaline, Tsavorite.
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Type
3
- Gemstones that normally are not found
to be clean.
Examples: Bixbite
(red Beryl),
Emerald.
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GIA
Clarity Grades for Colored Gemstones
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abbreviation
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clarity/inclusion description
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VVS
Type 1
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minute
to not detectable
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VS
Type 1
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minor
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SI1
Type 1
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noticeable
to obvious
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SI2
Type 1
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obvious
to noticeable
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I1
Type 1
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moderate
to prominent effect on appearance or durability
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I2
Type 1
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prominent
to severe effect on appearance and durability
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I3
Type 1
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severe
effect on appearance, transparency
and durability
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VVS
Type 2
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minor
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VS
Type 2
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noticeable
to obvious
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SI1
Type 2
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obvious
to prominent
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I1 Type
2
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prominent
to moderate effect on appearance or durability
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I2 Type
2
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prominent
to severe effect on appearance and durability
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I3 Type
2
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severe
effect on appearance, transparency
and durability
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VVS Type
3
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minor
to noticeable
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VS Type
3
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noticeable
to obvious
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SI1 Type
3
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obvious
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I1 Type
3
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prominent
to moderate effect on appearance or durability
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I2 Type
3
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prominent
to severe effect on appearance and durability
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I3 Type
3
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severe
effect on appearance, transparency
and durability
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