What is a cloud inclusion in a diamond?
Last updated 17 October 2026
A cloud in a diamond is a group of closely spaced pinpoint inclusions that can look hazy under magnification. A small cloud may have little visible effect, while a dense or extensive one can affect transparency. Its impact depends on the particular stone, not simply on the presence of the word “cloud” in a report.
Frequently asked questions
- Can the clarity plot tell me whether a diamond looks cloudy?
- Not by itself. Read the report and comments, then inspect the diamond or ask for an assessment of transparency. A plot records selected characteristics and is not a photograph of how the stone looks. Some report types do not include a plot.
- What clarity grade does a cloud inclusion appear in?
- Clouds can appear across many clarity grades. A tiny cloud in an SI1 stone might be invisible to the eye, while a prominent cloud in a lower grade could be the main reason the stone looks less lively.
- Is a cloud inclusion the same as a pinpoint?
- A pinpoint is a very small included crystal. A cloud is a group of closely spaced pinpoints that may be too small to distinguish individually. Their significance depends on their size, concentration and effect in the particular stone.
Sources and further reading
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