When selecting an astrological gemstone, we are often taught to look for the ‘Four Cs’: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Of these, clarity is perhaps the most misunderstood. In the commercial jewelry market, the ideal is a completely flawless stone, and any internal feature is seen as a value-detracting imperfection. However, in the nuanced world of Vedic astrology, the meaning of gemstone inclusions and their astrological significance is a far more complex and fascinating subject. Inclusions are natural internal characteristics—such as tiny crystals, feathers, or silk—that were trapped inside the gemstone during its formation millions of years ago. From an astrological perspective, these are not just flaws; they are the gemstone’s unique fingerprint, a testament to its natural origin. While certain types of inclusions can indeed be detrimental to a gem’s energy, others are considered acceptable or even auspicious, proving that the stone is natural and untreated. Understanding this significance is key to choosing a stone that is not just beautiful, but astrologically potent.
What are Gemstone Inclusions?
Inclusions are any material or feature enclosed within a gemstone. They are a natural part of a gem’s identity, telling the story of its journey deep within the Earth. Common types of inclusions include:
- Crystals or Minerals: Tiny crystals of other minerals that were trapped inside the host crystal as it grew.
- Feathers or Cracks: Internal fractures or cleavages that often resemble a feather.
- Silk: Fine, needle-like inclusions (often of the mineral rutile) that can create optical effects like asterism (stars) or chatoyancy (cat’s eye effect).
- Liquid or Gas Bubbles: Pockets of fluid or gas that were present during the crystal’s formation.
- Color Zoning: Uneven distribution of color within the gemstone.
A completely ‘clean’ or flawless natural gemstone is exceedingly rare and commands a very high price. Most natural stones will have some level of inclusions visible under magnification.
The Astrological Perspective on Inclusions
Vedic gemology, or ‘Ratna Shastra’, has its own detailed system for classifying inclusions based on their impact on the gemstone’s energy. The general principle is that an inclusion should not impede the flow of light and energy through the stone. Flaws that are large, dark, or that break the surface are generally considered inauspicious.
Inauspicious or Negative Inclusions
Ancient texts warn against wearing gemstones with certain types of flaws, as they are believed to bring negative results. These should be avoided for astrological purposes:
- Major Cracks or Fissures: Cracks that reach the surface or are very large internally are said to bring bad luck or cause health problems.
- Black Spots or Inclusions: Dark, carbon-like spots are considered highly inauspicious and are believed to bring sorrow or misfortune.
- Web-like Inclusions (‘Jaala’): A mesh or web-like pattern is said to cause legal troubles or entanglements.
- Lack of Luster or ‘Dead’ Appearance: A gemstone that looks dull, oily, or lifeless is considered to have no ‘prana’ (life force) and will be astrologically ineffective.
- Mixed Colors: A gemstone that has an undesirable secondary color (e.g., a Yellow Sapphire with a greenish tinge) is not considered pure enough to transmit the planet’s energy correctly.
Acceptable and Auspicious Inclusions
Not all inclusions are bad. In fact, some are seen as positive indicators.
- Natural ‘Silk’ or ‘Fibers’: Fine, silk-like threads within a sapphire or ruby are often a hallmark of a natural, unheated stone. As long as they do not overly cloud the gem’s transparency, they are perfectly acceptable and even desirable as proof of authenticity.
- Tiny Crystalline Inclusions: Small, light-colored crystals (often called ‘sugar’) are generally acceptable if they are not concentrated in one area and do not affect the gem’s overall beauty.
- Auspicious Symbols: Very rarely, inclusions can form a shape that resembles an auspicious symbol (like a lotus or a flag). These are considered extremely lucky.
The key difference between a positive and a negative inclusion is its effect on the gemstone’s overall transparency and energy flow. This table provides a general guide.
| Type of Inclusion | Appearance | Astrological Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Silk/Fibers | Delicate, thread-like lines | Acceptable/Good: Often indicates a natural, unheated stone. Does not block energy. |
| Major Internal Crack | A large, deep fissure inside the stone | Inauspicious: Believed to bring bad luck or discord. Avoid. |
| Black Spot | A dark, carbon-like speck | Highly Inauspicious: Considered a significant flaw. Believed to bring sorrow. Avoid. |
| Air Bubble | A small, round void | Inauspicious: Disrupts the crystalline structure and energy flow. Avoid. |
| Two-Toned Color | Visible patches of different colors | Inauspicious: Indicates impurity of energy. The color should be uniform. Avoid. |
| Minor Feather | A small, clean, feather-like inclusion | Generally Acceptable: If it is not surface-reaching and does not cloud the stone. |
Inclusions vs. Treatments
It is crucial to understand the difference between a natural inclusion and an artificial treatment. A natural inclusion is part of the gem’s birth. A treatment is a human intervention designed to hide flaws or alter color. For astrological purposes, a gem with a minor natural inclusion is infinitely superior to a gem that has been treated to appear flawless. Treatments like heating, filling, or dyeing are believed to destroy the gemstone’s natural energy, rendering it astrologically inert. This is the main difference between natural and treated gemstones.
FAQs on Gemstone Inclusions
Here are answers to some common questions about clarity and flaws.
1. Should I only buy a completely flawless gemstone for astrology?
No. A completely flawless natural gemstone is incredibly rare and expensive. The goal is to find a gemstone that is ‘eye-clean’ (no major flaws visible to the naked eye) and has good transparency. Minor inclusions that are only visible under a jeweler’s loupe are generally acceptable and serve as proof of natural origin.
2. A gem dealer told me the black spot in a Hessonite is natural. Is it okay?
No. While the spot may be natural, black spots are considered a ‘dosha’ or flaw in any astrological gemstone, including Hessonite. It should be avoided. The stone should have a uniform honey or cinnamon color.
3. My Emerald has visible ‘gardens’ inside. Is it bad for astrology?
Emeralds are a Type III gemstone, meaning they are almost always included. These internal features are often called ‘jardin’ (garden). For an astrological Emerald, the key is that these inclusions should not be black and should not prevent the stone from having good transparency and a vibrant green color. A moderately included but lively green Emerald is perfectly acceptable.
4. What is more important: color or clarity?
Both are very important, but in Vedic astrology, color is often given slightly more weight. The role of color in astrological gemstones is to transmit the specific planetary frequency. A stone with a perfect, vibrant color but minor inclusions is often preferred over a completely clean stone with a pale or weak color.
5. Can inclusions be a sign of a fake gemstone?
Yes, the type of inclusion can be a clue. For instance, perfectly round gas bubbles are often a sign of glass. Gemologists are trained to identify the types of inclusions that are characteristic of natural stones from specific locations versus those found in synthetics or imitations.
6. Does the location of the inclusion matter?
Yes. An inclusion located deep inside the stone is less problematic than one that is right under the main table (top facet) or one that breaks the surface of the stone. The goal is an unobstructed path for light to enter the top of the stone and exit through the bottom to touch your skin.