Every natural gemstone carries a fingerprint of the earth it formed in. Browse inclusions we have photographed and documented, organised by gem type and origin.
A spinel crystal glows with vivid red tones within its spinel host from Myanmar, surrounded by a delicate iridescent halo. Photographed by Muhammad Ayub, this image was awarded joint third place in the Italian Gemological Review’s inaugural photography competition, “The Soul of Precious Stones: From Earth to Light” (2025).
Link: https://www.rivistaitalianadigemmologia.com/en/2026/03/06/the-soul-of-precious-stones-from-earth-to-light-the-winners-of-the-photo-contest-promoted-by-igr/
TopazNigeria
A columbite crystal penetrates an octahedral fluorite crystal within topaz from Nigeria, revealing a striking association of three minerals. Photographed by Muhammad Ayub with a field of view of 5.5 mm, this image won second place in the Italian Gemological Review’s inaugural photography competition, “The Soul of Precious Stones: From Earth to Light” (2025).
Link: https://www.rivistaitalianadigemmologia.com/en/2026/03/06/the-soul-of-precious-stones-from-earth-to-light-the-winners-of-the-photo-contest-promoted-by-igr/
Demantoid GarnetPakistan
This photomicrograph of demantoid garnet from Pakistan reveals an intricate network of fine, threadlike inclusions interwoven around larger, rounded and angular crystals. Some threads curve gently, while others cross in delicate, needlelike arrangements, creating a striking contrast with the more prominent crystal inclusions.
Illuminated against a dark background, the gemstone’s yellow-green interior resembles a miniature celestial landscape. The photograph captures the remarkable complexity and natural beauty hidden within this demantoid garnet.
