Inclusion analysis is the vital organ of gemology. Inclusions are characteristic for concluding the origin of gemstones. Hound’s tooth growth pattern is considered as one of the characteristic inclusions for Hydrothermal Synthetic Emeralds. Hound’s tooth growth pattern is an irregular internal growth feature with angular growth pattern.

Indian Gemological Institute – Gem Testing Laboratory, Delhi examined 7.47 cts Natural Emerald, measuring 13.49 x 10.53 x 7.05 mm. Stone was showing Basal colorless and green color zones perpendicular to the table with c-axis parallel to its table, intersecting color zones. Growth tubes and phase inclusions were observed in the direction of c axis under the microscopic examination.

Conical growth pattern was observed on the edge of basal color zone of Natural Emerald. (FOV 3.37 mm)

Hound’s tooth like growth was observed on the edge of basal color zone of Natural Emerald. (FOV 4.04 mm)

Between the basal color zones, conical growth pattern was observed in the c-axis direction, at some places hound’s tooth like growth pattern was also observed. Although this pattern was observed on the edge of every color zone but was restricted to one fold. Probably this pattern has been formed due to fast crystallization of emerald.

Basic gemological testing and presence of phase inclusions, growth tubes, fingerprints etc concluded the emerald to be of natural origin. But presence of hound’s tooth like and conical growth pattern do prove, that nature has no limitations to bound with.

This piece proves up to an extent that human has succeeded in developing a synthesization process similar to the nature or we may say that here nature is trying to show his ability to confuse.

Comments and suggestions are welcome.

Author:

Meenakshi Chauhan

meenakshi@gjepcindia.com

Indian Gemological Institute - Gem Testing Laboratory

Jhandewalan, Delhi