Inclusion

An inclusion refers to any material that is trapped inside a mineral or gemstone during its formation.

Part of speech: noun
Definition: Inclusions are naturally occurring imperfections found within gemstones, which can consist of minerals, gases, liquids, or other crystals. These foreign materials get trapped during the gemstone's formation process, providing unique fingerprints that can help in identifying, dating, and valuing the gemstone. While some inclusions are viewed negatively as they can detract from the clarity and reduce the value of a gemstone, others like those in diamonds or emeralds can add character and make each piece uniquely identifiable. Inclusions can also be critical in distinguishing between natural gemstones and synthetic ones, as synthetic stones typically have fewer inclusions.