An abrasion is a row of tiny nicks along the facet junctions of a cut diamond. It makes the edges look white or fuzzy.
In more detail
It is a blemish: it lies on the surface. GIA's polish grade covers surface condition, so abrasions can count there as well as in clarity.
On a grading report
A blemish. Minor blemishes are often not plotted; Comments can mention them.
Related terms
- Nick: A nick is a small notch on a facet junction, with no clear depth at 10x. It is usually on the girdle edge or at the culet.
- Chip: A chip is a shallow opening in the surface, caused by damage. It is usually at the girdle edge, a facet junction or the culet.
- Blemish: A blemish is a clarity characteristic confined to the surface of a diamond.
- Polish: Polish is the grade for the smoothness of the facet surfaces, from Excellent to Poor. The grader looks at 10x for pits, nicks, polish lines, scratches, burn marks and rough patches.