What is a fracture in a gemstone?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
A fracture in a gemstone is a crack or chip that does not run along the stone's natural cleavage planes, breaking through the crystal structure rather than along a predictable direction. Fractures range from tiny feather-like cracks deep inside the stone to surface-reaching breaks that affect durability. They lower a stone's clarity grade and, if they reach the surface, raise the risk of further chipping. Many coloured gemstones, especially emeralds, are routinely treated with resin or oil to fill fractures and improve their apparent clarity.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a fracture the same as a cleavage in a gemstone?
- No. Cleavage is a break along a flat, predictable plane within the crystal structure, while a fracture breaks across those planes in an irregular way. Both are a form of breakage, but cleavage follows the stone's geometry and fracture does not.
- Can a fractured gemstone be repaired?
- You cannot fuse a fracture back together, but surface-reaching fractures in some gemstones, particularly emeralds and rubies, are routinely treated by filling them with resin, oil or glass to make them less visible and reduce the risk of propagation.
- How does a fracture affect the value of a gemstone?
- Significantly, particularly if it is large or reaches the surface. A surface fracture raises the risk of future chipping and may already affect the stone's appearance. Deep internal fractures that are not visible face-up have less impact, but any fracture will lower a stone's grade and price compared to a clean equivalent.
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