Info
Ethics & Mining:
Being Green
Mining
No Dirty Gold
Metals:
All About Metals
Metal Allergies
Gemstones:
List
Grades
Treatments
Fake Names
Care & Cleaning
Characteristics
Birthstones
Anniversary
Animal Symbols
Moh's HardnessEndangered Animals:
Why Care if a Species is Wiped Out
Martha
Extinction
Endangered Species Categories
Sea Turtles
Polar Bears
How Hard is a Stone?-Moh's Scale
How hard a gemstone is has implications for durability, how and for what it can be used, and how to care for it. For example, a very soft stone may not be a good choice for a ring or bracelet, as these items will be bumped and knocked on things with just normal wear and tear. However, if a softer stone is encased in a very sturdy and protective setting, and if worn with care, then it's possible that the jewelry piece may be enjoyed.
| Moh's Scale of Hardness | Example | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Can be scratched easily with a fingernail | Talc |
| 2 | Can be scratched with a fingernail | Sea Shell, Amber; Fine Silver, Fingernail 2.5 |
| 3 | Can be scratched with a coin | Coral, Silver |
| 4 | Can be scratched easily with a knife | Pearl |
| 5 | Can be scratched with a knife | Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli |
| 6 | Can be scratched with a steel file | Sodalite, Moonstone, Porcelain, Glass |
| 7 | Scratches glass and softer stones | Agate, Quartz |
| 8 | Scratches glass and softer stones | Aquamarine |
| 9 | Scratches glass and softer stones | Sapphire, Ruby |
| 10 | Scratches glass and softer stones | Diamond |
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