A guide to gemstone hardness and the mohs scale. Hardness has little use to the gemologist since gems are not normally scratched as a part of gem testing. Hardness is defined as resistance to scratching and is graded between 1 softest and 10 hardest using the mohs scale of mineral hardness. In gemology gem hardness is measured on a scale known as the mohs scale which assigns minerals a value between 1 softest and 10 hardest. It defines hardness in terms of scratch resistance where a harder mineral will scratch a softer one but not vice versa.
Gems are graded on the mohs hardness scale which rates each gem s scratch resistance on a scale of 1 to 10. This scale was devised by a german mineralogist frederick mohs in 1822. This simplified gemstone hardness chart summarizes the resistance to scratching of selected jewellery gemstones. To the public and unfortunately too many jewelers hardness is the means by which gemstones are identified. The word hardness has a very specific scientific meaning in gemology that differs considerably from its everyday usage.
Hardness is sometimes taken on the back of a statue as for example to differentiate between jade and serpen tine. What does gemstone hardness mean. Mohs hardness scale for gemstones. Hardness is the resistance a gemstone or other material offers to scratching or abrasion. Actually the value of hardness to the gemologist is strictly limited.
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The chart also lists official birthstones for each month. Updated may 15 2020. The gemstone hardness in this chart would help reduce damages while mounting a gemstone. Gemstone hardness summary chart. The higher the number the harder the mineral.Hardness is the resistance to scratching of a smooth surface. But even using the girdle of a gem to. Gemstone hardness is a very misunderstood property. Diamond has a hardness of 10 hardest on this scale it is the hardest natural material known. The hardest gemstones diamonds rubies and sapphires get a rating closer to 10 on the mohs scale while the softer gemstones amber chrysocolla and pearl are placed closer to 1 see the entire mohs index below.
It is universally used around the world as a way of distinguishing minerals. The scientific definition of hardness is the ability to resist scratching nothing more. Table of gemstones hardness s g r i. It is universally used around the world as a way of distinguishing minerals. Hardness is the resistance to scratching of a smooth surface.
Table of gemstones hardness s g r i. The chart also lists official birthstones for each month. Hardness is sometimes taken on the back of a statue as for example to differentiate between jade and serpen tine. Gems are graded on the mohs hardness scale which rates each gem s scratch resistance on a scale of 1 to 10. A guide to gemstone hardness and the mohs scale.
