Clarity Types for Colored Gemstones using GIA Clarity Types
Type 1 Gemstones that are normally found to be clean.
Examples: Amethyst, Aquamarine, Blue Topaz, Citrine, Kunzite, Tanzanite,
Yellow Beryl, Yellow Chrysoberyl
Type 2 Gemstones that normally may have a few inclusions.
Examples: Alexandrite, Andalusite, Iolite, Peridot, Rhodoloite, Ruby,
Sapphire, Spinel, Tourmaline, Tsavorite
Type 3 Gemstones that normally do not come clean.
Examples: Emerald, Red Beryl
How Clarity is described using the GIA Clarity Grades for Colored Gemstones
Abbreviation Description of Gemological Institute of America Clarity Grades & Types VVS Type 1 minute to not detectable VS Type 1 minor SI1 Type 1 NOTICEABLE to obvious SI2 Type 1 OBVIOUS to noticeable I1 Type 1 prominent - moderate affect on appearence or durability I2 Type 1 prominent - severe affect on appearence & durability I3 Type 1 prominent - severe affect on beauty, transparency & durability VVS Type 2 minor VS Type 2 NOTICEABLE to obvious SI1 Type 2 noticeable to OBVIOUS SI2 Type 2 obvious to prominent I1 Type 2 prominent - moderate affect on appearence or durability I2 Type 2 prominent - severe affect on appearence & durability I3 Type 2 prominent - severe affect on beauty, transparency & durability VVS Type 3 NOTICEABLE to obvious VS Type 3 noticeable to OBVIOUS SI1 Type 3 obvious to prominent SI2 Type 3 obvious to PROMINENT I1 Type 3 prominent - considerable affect on appearence or durability I2 Type 3 prominent - severe affect on transparency or durability I3 Type 3 prominent - severe affect on beauty, transparency & durability Declasse stones not transparent because of inclusions
Clarity Types for Diamonds using GIA Clarity Grades
Abbreviation Description FL Flawless IF Internally Flawless VVS1 Very Very Slightly Included 1 VVS2 Very Very Slightly Included 2 VS1 Very Slightly Included 1 VS2 Very Slightly Included 2 SI1 Slightly Included 1 SI2 Slightly Included 2 I1 Imperfect 1 I2 Imperfect 2 I3 Imperfect 3 Note: Some graders are now using the SI3 clarity grade, but not GIA at present.
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