---
title: "Surface graining: meaning in gemology"
description: "Surface graining is lines on the surface of a diamond, caused by irregularities in its crystal structure. It is like internal graining, but on the surface."
url: https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/surface-graining
image: https://digitalgemology.com/img/og-digital-gemology.png?v=d224fb01
---

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

# Surface graining

Surface graining is lines on the surface of a diamond, caused by irregularities in its crystal structure. It is like internal graining, but on the surface.

## In more detail

It is a blemish. It comes from the crystal itself, not from damage or from polishing.

## On a grading report

A blemish; it is not always plotted.

## Related terms

- [Internal graining](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/internal-graining): Internal graining is lines, angles or curves inside a diamond caused by irregular crystal growth. At 10x they can look whitish, colored or reflective, or lower the transparency.
- [Polish lines](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/polish-lines): Polish lines are fine parallel grooves and ridges left by polishing. They can occur on any facet but don't cross facet junctions, and they look transparent or white.
- [Blemish](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/blemish): A blemish is a clarity characteristic confined to the surface of a diamond.

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