Origin of Negative Crystals in Gemstones

What Are Negative Crystals in Gemstones?

Negative crystals are tiny, hollow shapes that form inside gemstones. These shapes look like small crystals and can be filled with liquids, gases, or other materials. Scientists have studied these crystals to understand how they form.

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How Do Negative Crystals Form?

Negative crystals can form in two main ways:

1. Healing Cracks:

   • When a gemstone gets a crack, it may come into contact with water or other liquids. Over time, the crack begins to heal, and tiny hollow shapes form. These are called secondary negative crystals.
   • Scientists have observed this process by heating synthetic rubies with cracks. The heat helps the healing process, forming these small, hollow crystals.

2. During Growth:

   • Sometimes, negative crystals form as the gemstone itself is growing. These are called primary negative crystals. They usually appear alone and are larger than secondary ones.

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Different Types of Negative Crystals

• In Synthetic Gemstones: Scientists found that heating synthetic rubies creates air-filled channels and hollow shapes that eventually turn into crystals.
• In Natural Gemstones: For example, spinels and peridots may have negative crystals. In peridots, the hollow shapes often look like bubbles but have crystal-like surfaces.

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Why Are They Important?

Negative crystals help gemologists (experts who study gemstones) understand how the gemstone was formed or if it has been treated. They are also useful in identifying whether a gem is natural or synthetic.

Special Cases • Peridot: Contains rounded gas bubbles that, under reflected light, exhibit crystal faces, confirming them as negative crystals formed during growth. Negative crystals provide valuable insights into the growth and healing processes of gemstones. They are important for both gemological studies and aesthetic appreciation.