What is a cloud inclusion in a diamond?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
A cloud inclusion is a group of tiny white pinpoint inclusions gathered so closely together inside a diamond that they form a hazy, cloud-like patch. On a grading report it is marked as a cloud, and in small, faint concentrations it rarely affects how a diamond looks to the naked eye. Larger or denser clouds can reduce transparency and give a stone a milky or foggy appearance, which is why they are worth checking on the grading plot before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
- Does a cloud inclusion affect a diamond's sparkle?
- A very small, faint cloud usually has no visible effect, but a large or dense one can scatter light rather than reflect it cleanly, making the stone look slightly milky or less bright. Always ask to see the grading 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 single tiny white dot inside a diamond, while a cloud is a group of pinpoints clustered together. Individually the pinpoints are harmless; it is when they cluster densely that they start to affect transparency.
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