Mohs Hardness Scale for Jewelry

Quick answer: The Mohs hardness scale ranks minerals from 1 (talc, softest) to 10 (diamond, hardest) by their resistance to scratching. For jewelry you wear every day, especially rings, choose stones rated 8 or higher: diamond (10), moissanite (about 9.25), sapphire and ruby (9) and topaz (8). Softer stones such as opal, pearl and emerald need more careful wear. Hardness is not the same as toughness, which measures resistance to chipping.

Hardness helps you choose gemstones that will stay beautiful. Here is a simple guide for jewelry buyers.

Mohs Hardness of Popular Gemstones

Why 7 Matters

Household dust contains quartz, which rates 7. Any gem softer than 7 can be slowly scratched by everyday dust, dulling its polish. That is why stones above 8 stay crisp for decades.

Hardness vs Toughness vs Stability

• Hardness: resistance to scratching.
• Toughness: resistance to chipping and breaking. Diamond is hard but can chip if struck at a weak angle.
• Stability: resistance to heat, light and chemicals.

Shown: Asscher Cut Moissanite Infinity Twist Engagement Ring

Choosing Stones by Use

• Engagement and daily rings: diamond, moissanite, sapphire, ruby.
• Earrings and pendants: almost any gem, since they face less impact.
• Bracelets: harder stones, since wrists bump surfaces often.

Durable Jewelry at Ivevar

We use lab grown diamonds, moissanite and sapphires, all 9 or higher on the Mohs scale, in pieces handcrafted in our Surat workshop. Every piece ships worldwide with free shipping and 30-day easy returns. Browse moissanite engagement rings.

Shop Durable Moissanite Rings

Asscher Infinity TwistShop NowAbstract Open Loop RingShop NowArt Deco Lotus RingShop NowArt Deco Cluster RingShop NowCrossover Pave RingShop NowDouble Halo Round RingShop Now

Swipe to see more → | View moissanite engagement rings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hardest gemstone?

Diamond, at 10 on the Mohs scale.

How hard is moissanite?

About 9.25, second only to diamond among popular jewelry stones.

Can a diamond scratch?

Only another diamond can scratch it, but it can chip if hit hard.

Is emerald good for an engagement ring?

It can be, with protective settings and gentle wear.

Is the Mohs scale linear?

No. Diamond is many times harder than corundum, even though the numbers are only one apart.

The Bottom Line

For everyday rings, choose stones rated 8 or higher, and remember that toughness and setting matter too.

Related Guides

• How long does moissanite last?
• Do lab grown diamonds last forever?
• The language of metals and gems

Author Bio

Aumsri Pradhan

Founder, Ivevar Luxury

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Aumsri Pradhan is the founder of Ivevar Luxury, a Surat-based fine jewelry brand that designs and handcrafts lab grown diamond and moissanite jewelry in its own workshop. She leads the brand's design and customer experience, from engagement rings and bridal sets to custom pieces made to each client's story. Through the Ivevar blog, she shares practical guidance on lab grown diamonds, moissanite, diamond grading and ring design to help buyers choose with confidence.

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