The clarity of an emerald is evaluated by the naked eye, and inclusion-free emeralds are quite rare. Visible inclusions (fissures) are very common. However, the greater the purity, the greater the price.
GEMCLOUDMARKET.COM categorizes all of its gemstones according to a universal clarity standard comprised of 8 different grades: 6 transparent grades, 1 translucent grade, and 1 opaque grade.
1. TRANSPARENT
Transparent gemstones are those that have the ability to transmit light without serious diffusion. We grade transparent gemstones between 6 different grades: EC1, EC2, VI1, VI2, I1 and I2. The classification of transparent emeralds as ‘type 3’ stones indicates that they almost always have visible inclusions by eye.
Eye Clean 1 (EC1):
Free of inclusions with the unaided eye.
Eye Clean 2 (EC2):
Free of inclusions while looking with the unaided eye
and very tiny inclusions visible with a loupe.
Visible Inclusions 1 (VI1):
Inclusions slightly visible with the unaided eye.
Visible Inclusions 2 (VI2):
Inclusions visible with the unaided eye.
Included 1 (I1):
Inclusions visible with the unaided eye.
Included 2 (I2):
Inclusions highly visible with the unaided eye.
2. TRANSLUCENT
Translucent gemstones are those that allow only partial light transmission due to their numerous inclusions. We grade translucent gemstones type with a single grade called ‘translucent’.
3. OPAQUE
Opaque gemstones are so densely included that there is no light passing through the gemstones. We grade opaque gemstones with a single grade called ‘opaque’.
