A diamond's fracture, in gemological terms, is more commonly known as a feather, which is an internal or external break within the diamond.
Diamonds can contain various imperfections, and these are generally categorized into inclusions and blemishes. A feather falls into the category of inclusions, especially if it's an internal fracture.
Key Aspects of Diamond Fractures (Feathers):
- Nature: Feathers are essentially cracks or breaks within the diamond's structure.
- Appearance: They can appear as white, feathery, or reflective lines or areas within the diamond. The appearance depends on the size, angle, and location of the fracture.
- Surface Reaching: As the provided reference states, feathers can be "surface reaching," meaning they extend to the surface of the diamond.
- Impact on Clarity: The presence, size, and number of feathers affect a diamond's clarity grade. Larger or more numerous feathers generally lower the clarity grade.
- Impact on Durability: While diamonds are incredibly hard, feathers can create weak points, potentially making the diamond more susceptible to chipping or breaking, especially if they reach the surface. A significant feather could compromise the structural integrity of the diamond.
- Clarity Treatments: Clarity treatments exist to minimize the visual impact of feathers. These treatments can include laser drilling (to create a path to the feather) or fracture filling (to fill the fracture with a clear, glass-like substance).
Example:
Imagine a tiny crack inside a diamond that reflects light. That's a feather. It could look like a small white line or a cloud-like area. If this crack is large or reaches the surface, it could make the diamond more likely to chip if it gets hit just right.
In summary, a diamond's fracture, or feather, is an internal or surface-reaching break that affects the diamond's clarity, appearance, and potentially its durability. Its characteristics play a crucial role in determining the overall value and quality of the diamond.
