Growth channels

Growth channels: to be related to fingerprints. These inclusions form when a fracture of the crystal happens in the environment of formation; the fracture receives again material for its growth and healing starts. By microscope it is possible to recognize 4 levels of healing:

  • level 1: open fracture in presence of liquid in the channels;
  • level 2: partially healed fracture;
  • level 3: fingerprint with growth channels;
  • level 4: entirely healed fracture.
Growth channels in natural Colombian Emerald. Photo: Galleria Inclusioni IGI International Gemological Institute Italy

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