Inclusion (mineral)

In mineralogy, an inclusion is any material that is trapped inside a mineral during its formation.

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According to Hutton's law of inclusions fragments included in a host rock are older than the host rock itself.

Inclusions are usually other minerals or rocks, but may also be water, gas or petroleum. Liquid or vapor inclusions are known as fluid inclusions. In the case of amber it is possible to find insects and plants as inclusions.

The analysis of atmospheric gas bubbles as inclusions in ice cores is an important tool in the study of climate change.

Contrast with xenolith.