---
title: "Etch channel: meaning in gemology"
description: "An etch channel is a narrow channel in a diamond that opens at the surface. It forms where the diamond dissolved along a line defect (a dislocation) in its…"
url: https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/etch-channel
image: https://digitalgemology.com/img/og-digital-gemology.png?v=d224fb01
---

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

# Etch channel

Also called etch channels

An etch channel is a narrow channel in a diamond that opens at the surface. It forms where the diamond dissolved along a line defect (a dislocation) in its crystal.

## In more detail

GIA calls etch channels rare in natural diamonds, both type I and type II. Their surface openings are rhombic, and some channels wander like worm-like ribbons. GIA graded a 1.77 ct type IIa diamond with a network of etch channels I1.

## 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

- [Cavity](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/cavity): 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.
- [Inclusion](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/inclusion): An inclusion is a clarity characteristic inside a diamond, or one that reaches the surface from inside.
- [Natural diamond](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/natural-diamond): A natural diamond is a diamond that formed in the earth, about 160 km deep, under enormous heat and pressure. An eruption carried it to the surface.
- [Key to symbols](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/key-to-symbols): The key to symbols is the list beside the clarity plot. It names the kinds of clarity characteristic on that plot.

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