---
title: "Bruise: meaning in gemology"
description: "A bruise is a tiny area of impact damage with very small, root-like feathers. It usually sits at a facet junction."
url: https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/bruise
image: https://digitalgemology.com/img/og-digital-gemology.png?v=d224fb01
---

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[Glossary](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary) · Clarity characteristics

# Bruise

Also called bruises

A bruise is a tiny area of impact damage with very small, root-like feathers. It usually sits at a facet junction.

## In more detail

A bruise comes from a knock, not from the growth of the crystal. GIA lists it among the inclusions.

## On a grading report

Drawn in red on the clarity plot of a full GIA report and named in the key to symbols. A Dossier has no plot but can name it in its list of up to four.

## Related terms

- [Chip](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/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.
- [Feather](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/feather): A feather is the general trade term for a break in a gemstone. It often looks white and feathery.
- [Inclusion](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/inclusion): An inclusion is a clarity characteristic inside a diamond, or one that reaches the surface from inside.

[All 328 terms](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary)