Colored Gemstone Clarity Grading Chart
Type 1 Gemstones
The following gemstones are typically inclusion free, even minor inclusions detract from their value.
Diamond, Amethyst, Beryls(Aquamarine,Morganite), Citrine, Smoky Quartz, topaz, Chrysoberyl, Kunzite, Tanzanite, green Tourmaline, and Blue Zircon
IF Internally flawless under extreme magnification (Very rare)
F Flawless
VVS Minute inclusions under 10x; invisible to the unaided eye
VS Minor inclusions under 10x; usually invisible to the unaided eye
SI1 Noticeable inclusions under 10x; usually visible to the unaided eye
SI2 Noticeable inclusions under 10x; usually quite visible to the unaided eye
I1 prominent- moderate affect on appearance or durability
I2 prominent - severe affect on appearance or durability
I3 prominent- severe affect on beauty, transparency or durability
Type 2 Gemstones
Gemstones that normally have small inclusions that do not detract from value.
Alexandrite, Andalusite, Iolite, Peridot, Rhodolite, Ruby, Sapphire, Spinel, Tourmaline, Garnet, Amethyst, Red Zircon, Tsavorite; Blue, Orange, Purple, Yellow and Parti-colored Tourmaline
F Flawless
VVS Minor inclusions under 10x; usually invisible to the unaided eye
VS Noticeable inclusions under 10x; often invisible to the unaided eye
SI1 Obvious inclusions under 10x; visible to the unaided eye
SI2 Obvious inclusions under 10x; very apparent to the unaided eye
I1 prominent - moderate affect on appearance or durability
I2 prominent - severe affect on appearance or durability
I3 prominent - severe affect on beauty, transparency or durability
 Type 3 Gemstones
Gemstones that are almost always included.
Emerald and Rubellite
VVS Noticeable inclusions under 10x; usually invisible to the unaided eye
VS Obvious inclusions under 10x; difficult to somewhat easy to see with to the unaided eye
SI1 Prominent inclusions under 10x; easily visible to the unaided eye
SI2 Prominent inclusions under 10x; obvious to the unaided eye
I1 prominent - moderate affect on appearance or durability
I2 prominent - severe affect on appearance or durability
I3 prominent - severe affect on beauty, transparency or durability

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