Digital versions allow users to zoom in on high-resolution images, making it easier to compare what they see through a microscope lens to the reference photo. Key Features Found in the Photoatlas
Quickly find specific inclusions (like "horsetail" in demantoid garnet or "silk" in rubies) using keyword searches. photoatlas of inclusions in gemstones pdf
Carrying three massive, heavy volumes to a trade show or a lab is impractical; a PDF on a tablet allows for mobile reference. Digital versions allow users to zoom in on
Before the publication of the first volume in 1986, inclusions were often viewed as flaws that diminished a stone's value. Gübelin and Koivula shifted this perspective, proving that these internal features are "nature’s fingerprints." They provide undeniable proof of a gem's origin, growth environment, and authenticity. The three-volume series covers: Before the publication of the first volume in
Exploration of rarer gemstones and modern synthetic treatments. Why Gemologists Seek the PDF Version
These occur after the gemstone has finished growing. Examples include "fingerprints" formed by healed fractures or star effects (asterism) caused by the exsolution of rutile needles during cooling. Using the Photoatlas for Valuation and Authentication
Whether you are using a physical copy or a digital reference, the Photoatlas focuses on three primary categories of inclusions: 1. Protogenetic Inclusions