Hardness & Durability


Gemstone Hardness & Durability

Understanding How Your Jewellery Wears Over Time

When choosing a gemstone, beauty is only part of the story. How a stone wears, its durability, resistance to scratching, and suitability for everyday life is just as important.

This is where the Mohs Hardness Scale becomes a valuable guide.

What is the Mohs Scale?

The Mohs Scale measures a gemstone’s resistance to scratching on a scale from 1 to 10.

  • 1 being very soft (easily scratched)

  • 10 being the hardest (resistant to scratching by almost all other materials)

It’s important to understand that hardness refers specifically to scratch resistance, not toughness. Some stones may be hard but still require care to avoid chipping or damage.

Why It Matters

If you’re designing a piece you plan to wear daily — particularly a ring — durability becomes essential.

As a general guide:

  • 8–10: Suitable for everyday wear

  • 6–7: Best for occasional wear or protected settings

  • Below 6: More delicate, requiring extra care

At Mandi & Co we always consider your lifestyle when recommending gemstones, ensuring your piece is not only beautiful but practical.

Mohs Hardness Guide

Below is a guide to some of the most commonly used gemstones:

Gemstone Hardness (Mohs)
Diamond 10
Sapphire 9
Ruby 9
Alexandrite 8.5
Spinel 8
Topaz 8
Aquamarine 7.5 – 8
Morganite 7.5 – 8
Emerald 7.5 – 8
Tourmaline 7 – 7.5
Amethyst 7
Citrine 7
Peridot 6.5 – 7
Tanzanite 6 – 6.5
Zircon 6 – 7.5
Opal 5.5 – 6.5
Turquoise 5 – 6
Pearl 2.5 – 4.5

Choosing the Right Stone

Every gemstone has its place — it’s simply about choosing the right one for how it will be worn.

  • Engagement rings & daily wear: Diamond, sapphire, ruby

  • Occasional or lower-impact wear: Aquamarine, tourmaline, spinel

  • Statement or delicate pieces: Opal, pearl, turquoise

With the right design and setting, even softer stones can be worn and enjoyed — they simply require a more considered approach.

Our Approach

At Mandi & Co we don’t just help you choose a beautiful stone — we guide you toward one that suits your lifestyle.

We’ll always be honest about:

  • Wearability

  • Long-term care

  • The best setting to protect your stone

So your piece remains as beautiful years from now as it is the day you receive it.