The Rarest Inclusions Found in Colombian Emeralds
Colombian emeralds are true natural treasures, formed over millions of years under unique geological conditions. But what many people don’t know is that hidden inside these gems are tiny universes: inclusions—internal features that tell the story of how each emerald was formed and make them truly one of a kind.
If you’ve ever wondered why two emeralds can look so different or what secrets they hold within, this article is for you. Join us as we explore the rarest and most fascinating inclusions found only in legendary Colombian emeralds.
What Are Inclusions in Colombian Emeralds?
Inclusions are internal structures, bubbles, crystals, or patterns that naturally form inside an emerald during its growth. In the case of Colombian emeralds, these inclusions are so characteristic that gemologists often use them to identify their origin. Far from being "imperfections," inclusions are witnesses to the birth of the gem and reflect the unique conditions of the Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuez mines—globally renowned for their purity and color.
Types of Inclusions in Colombian Emeralds
Colombian emeralds display a wide variety of inclusions, some common and others truly extraordinary. Among the most recognized are:
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Liquid inclusions: tiny bubbles or cavities filled with fluid, gas, or salt.
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Solid inclusions: fragments of other minerals trapped during formation.
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Three-phase inclusions: a rare combination of liquid, gas, and crystal—highly valued in gemology.
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Veils or "gardens": internal formations resembling natural clouds.
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Naturally healed fractures: lines or patterns that sealed over time within the gem.
The Rarest Inclusions Found in Colombian Emeralds
Among Colombian emeralds, some inclusions have been identified that are so unique they resemble true works of natural art:
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Carbon particles: small specks of carbon that contrast with the deep green of the stone, usually black in color.
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Gardens: inclusions that create visual landscapes, as if a tiny forest lives inside the emerald.
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Cat’s eye effect: an optical phenomenon caused by aligned inclusions that produce a moving bright band.
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Butterfly wings: internal formations with shimmering reflections reminiscent of insect wings.
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Oil drop: a silky, velvety optical effect that adds depth and softness to the color.
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Straight lines: nearly perfect linear patterns naturally formed by fluid pressure.
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Trapiches: six-pointed star-shaped inclusions, unique to Colombian mines and considered gems within the gem.
Are Emeralds with Inclusions More or Less Valuable?
The value of an emerald with inclusions depends on their visibility and the impact they have on the gem’s overall appearance. If the inclusions are highly visible and affect transparency, the price tends to be lower.
However, this doesn’t mean the gem is less valuable from a natural perspective. In fact, inclusions are what prove an emerald is authentic and not lab-created. Emeralds with subtle, harmonious, or visually appealing inclusions can even become more desirable, since each is unique and impossible to replicate.
Emerald By Love: Where Natural Beauty Shines Without Filters
At Emerald By Love, we embrace the authenticity of Colombian emeralds in all their forms. Here, you’ll find everything from perfectly clean gems to those with visible inclusions that tell their own origin story. Each piece is selected with passion and expertise, guaranteeing fair prices, certified quality, and unmatched natural beauty.
Discover the magic of Colombian emeralds—whether flawless or filled with character—only at Emerald By Love, where every jewel has a story to tell.
Paula A. Bonilla
Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. Passionate about continuously learning about precious gemstones and fine national jewelry. She currently works for one of Bogotá’s most renowned jewelers, Emerald by Love, which has over 40 years of experience in emeralds and operates two physical locations in the heart of Colombia’s capital.
