{"id":19659,"date":"2025-07-24T17:08:11","date_gmt":"2025-07-24T17:08:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/?p=19659"},"modified":"2025-07-24T17:08:12","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T17:08:12","slug":"about-gemstone-hardness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/about-gemstone-hardness\/","title":{"rendered":"Gemstone Hardness & Why It Matters for Your Jewelry"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 3<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-19px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

D<\/span>iamonds<\/span> set the standard for hardness<\/span>, <\/span>but<\/span> <\/span>they\u2019re<\/span> <\/span>not <\/span>the only stones worth considering. <\/span>Learn <\/span>why hardness matters to consumers, like you, and <\/span>how other precious gemstones <\/span>measure up<\/span>\u2014all in one place.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

What Is the Hardness of Gemstones?<\/h2>\n

Hardness refers to a gemstone\u2019s resistance to surface scratching, not to be confused with toughness (resistance to breaking or chipping). <\/span>It <\/span>indicates<\/span> <\/span>how well <\/span>a gemstone <\/span>stands up to everyday abrasions, from brushing against other jewelry to <\/span>contact with<\/span> surfaces.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gemstone hard<\/span>ness is measured using the Mohs Scale of Hardness, <\/span><\/span>a ranking system developed in 1812 by mineralogist Friedrich Mohs<\/span>. The s<\/span>cale ranges from 1 (<\/span>very soft<\/span>) to 10 (extremely hard), with diamond\u2014the hardest natural material\u2014sitting at the top.<\/span><\/span> <\/span>Here\u2019s<\/span> a quick overview of some popular gemstones and their positions on the Mohs scale:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

10:<\/strong> Diamond<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

9:<\/strong> Sapphire and Ruby (Corundum)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

8:<\/strong> Topaz<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

8: <\/strong>Spinel<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

7:<\/strong> Amethyst and Citrine (Quartz)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

6.5-7:<\/strong> Peridot<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

6-6.5:<\/strong> Moonstone<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

5.5-6.5:<\/strong> Opal<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2.5-4.5:<\/strong> Pearl<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-12px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

It\u2019s<\/span> important to note that the Mohs <\/span>S<\/span>cale <\/span>isn\u2019t<\/span> linear.<\/span> <\/span><\/span>The jump in hardness between minerals near the top of the scale is far greater than those near the bottom.<\/span><\/span> <\/span>For<\/span> ex<\/span>ample, while corundum (sapphire and ruby)<\/span> <\/span>rank<\/span>s<\/span> at 9, diamond (10) is many times harder\u2014not just one step above. This exponential difference is especially important when considering gemstones for daily wear.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A gemstone\u2019s hardness directly affects both its durability and maintenance\u2014two factors that influence how well your jewelry holds up over time.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-13px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

Hardness becomes especially important depending on how and where a gemstone is worn<\/span>. <\/span>Rings and bracelets, which come into frequent contact with surfaces, benefit from harder gemstones (7 and above).<\/span> <\/span>Earrings and pendants are exposed to less impact, allowing for softer stones like moonstone or opal to shine safely.<\/span> <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Pearl-Necklace.jpg” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ alt=”Mikimoto Petit Soleil Akoya Cultured Pearl & Diamond Pendant in White Gold, 17%22″ title_text=”Pearl Necklace”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

The hardness of a gemstone also affects how it should be cleaned and <\/span>maintained<\/span>. <\/span>Soft gems (Mohs 1-4) require gentle cleaning with mild soap and water. Harsh cleaning methods or abrasive materials can cause <\/span>significant damage<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>Hard <\/span>stones<\/span> (Mohs 7-10), like <\/span>diamond,<\/span> <\/span>sapphire<\/span> and <\/span>ruby,<\/span> are more resistant to scratches and can usually withstand ultrasonic or steam cleaning.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-9px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

When shopping for gemstones, consider these tips to ensure your jewelry <\/span>fits <\/span>your lifestyle and needs:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n