Gemstone Hardness based on the Mohs Scale
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Moh’s Hardness Scale
The higher the Mohs scale number, the harder the stone. Highest rating is 10 for diamonds.
The Mohs’ scale of hardness characterizes the scratch resistance of various minerals through the ability of a harder material to scratch a softer. It was created by Friedrich Mohs.
Alexandrite = 8.5; Amethyst incl Prasiolite = 6.5-7; Aquamarine = 7.5; Citrine and Ametrine = 6.5-7
Diamond = 10; Emerald = 7.5; Garnet 7-7.5; Jade = 6 (Jadeite =6.5)
Onyx = 7; Opal = 6-6.5; Pearls = 3
Peridot = 6.5; Ruby = 9; Sapphire = 9
Tanzanite = 6.5; Topaz = 8; Tourmaline = 7.5; Zircon = 7.5
Other Gemstones:
Apatite = 5; Fluorite = 4; Quartz = 7; Calcite = 3; Turquoise 5-6; Azurite and Malachite = 3.5-4; Rhodochrosite 3.5-4; Celestite 3-3.5; Gem Kyanite 7, Common Kyanite 5.5
The more impurities in a stone the less hard.
Metals:
Gold, Silver, Copper = 2.5-3.
Valerie,