评定宝石品质的第二个指标就是洁度Clarity。这是描述一颗宝石里面包含了多少别的矿物质,或者称为杂质。要了解洁度,首先来了解GIA是如何对洁度分类的。
首先GIA把不同宝石分成三类, 每一类又分成若干等级:
Type 1: 一类宝石:gemstones that are usually available in the market inclusion free
Type 2: 二类宝石:gemstones that are usually found with inclusions in the market
Type 3: 三类宝石:gemstones that are usually found with significant and numerous inclusions in
the market
GIA对宝石洁度分级的标准如下:
FL:无瑕 (Flawless)
IF: 内部无瑕 (Internally Flawless)
要注意的是,这两个级别在GIA看来,并不适合彩色宝石。只是对钻石有效。
VVS1:极微瑕疵1类 (Very very slightly included 1)
VVS2: 极微瑕疵2类 (Very very slightly included 2)
非常非常微小的包含物(最高等级);在10倍放大镜下观察很难发现的 微小包含物;肉眼观察完全不可看。
VS1: 微瑕疵1类 (Very slightly included 1)
VS2: 微瑕疵2类 (Very slightly included 2)
非常微小的包含物;在10倍放大镜下观察较易发现;肉眼观察仍不可见
SI1: 瑕疵1类 (Slightly included 1)
SI2: 瑕疵2类 (Slightly included 2)
微小的包含物;在10倍放大镜下观察容易发现;肉眼观察能注意到。
I1: 重瑕疵 (Included 1)
包含物比较明显;对宝石的整体美观或耐久度有轻微的负面影响
I2: 重瑕疵 (Included 2)
包含物比较明显;对宝石的整体美观或耐久度有严重的负面影响
I3: 重瑕疵 (Included 3)
包含物比较明显;对宝石的整体美观和耐久度都有严重的负面影响