---
title: "Cavity: meaning in gemology"
description: "A cavity is an angular opening in the surface of a diamond. It forms when part of a feather breaks away, or when a surface-reaching crystal comes out during…"
url: https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/cavity
image: https://digitalgemology.com/img/og-digital-gemology.png?v=d224fb01
---

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

# Cavity

Also called cavities

A cavity is an angular opening in the surface of a diamond. It forms when part of a feather breaks away, or when a surface-reaching crystal comes out during polishing.

## In more detail

A cavity is an opening in the surface, left by a feather or a lost crystal. GIA lists it among the inclusions.

## On a grading report

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

## Related terms

- [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.
- [Knot](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/knot): A knot is a white or transparent diamond crystal that reaches the surface after the stone is cut.
- [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.
- [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)