INFORMATION
Gemstones:
Types:
Hardness Scale:
MOH’S Hardness Scale
The MOH’S scale was created by trying
to scratch one mineral with another, and then recording which mineral left
a scratch. For example, Corundum (Saphire and Ruby) was used to scratch Apatite.
Corundum left a scratch on the surface of Apatite and so this mineral should
sit higher on the scale.
The most important number on this scale is 7. Why?, 7 is the hardness of Quartz which is the hardest mineral that is commonly air born. It is important to have jewellery with gemstones in it that has a MOH’s hardness number of 7 or higher because of the amount of dust and impurities in the air. If the dust contains minute particles of Quartz, than any mineral that is below quartz on the MOH'S scale will be scratched by dust on a cleaning cloth.
Gemstone | Specific Gravity |
Hardness |
Refraction Index |
Amethyst | 2.65 |
7.0 |
1.532 - 1.554 |
Apatite | 3.16-3.23 |
5.0 |
1.628-1.649 |
Aquamarine | 2.63 - 2.91 |
7.5 - 8.0 |
1.567-1.590 |
Chrysoberyl | 3.68 - 3.78 |
8.5 |
1.746 - 1.755 |
Chrysoprase | 2.65 |
7.0 |
1.530 - 1.550 |
Citrine | 2.65 |
7.0 |
1.532 - 1.554 |
Diamond | 3.51 |
10 |
2.417 |
Emerald | 2.63 - 2.91 |
7.5 - 8.0 |
1.560 - 1.605 |
Garnet | 3.50 - 4.30 |
6.5 - 7.5 |
1.730 - 1.760 |
Jade | 2.90 - 3.10 |
6.0 |
1.640 - 1.667 |
Kunzite | 3.35 |
65-70 |
1.66-1.681 |
Lapis Lazuli | 2.70 - 2.90 |
5.0 - 5.5 |
1.500 - 1.550 |
Opal | 1.98 - 2.25 |
5.5 - 6.5 |
1.440 - 1.460 |
Peridot | 3.22 - 3.45 |
7.0 |
1.635 - 1.690 |
Rose Quartz | 2.65 |
7.0 |
1.540 - 1.550 |
Ruby | 3.96 - 4.05 |
9.0 |
1.757 - 1.779 |
Sapphire | 3.96 - 4.05 |
9.0 |
1.757 - 1.779 |
Smoky Quartz | 2.65 |
7.0 |
1.540 - 1.550 |
Spinel | 3.58 - 4.06 |
8.0 |
1.712 - 1.717 |
Tanzanite | 6.5-7.0 |
1.691-1.7 |
|
Topaz | 3.50 - 3.60 |
8.0 |
1.607 - 1.627 |
Tourmaline | 3.03 - 3.25 |
7.0 - 7.5 |
1.603 - 1.655 |
Turquoise | 2.60 - 2.80 |
5.0 - 6.0 |
1.610 - 1.650 |
Zircon | 4.60 - 4.70 |
7.5 |
1.777 - 1.987 |
CLARITY DESCRIPTION:
• IF = Loupe Clean - Internally flawless; free of inclusions
• VVS = Almost Loupe Clean - Very, very slight inclusions; inclusions
barely seen under 10x magnification
• VS = Eye Clean - Very slight inclusions; inclusions can be seen under
10x magnification
• SI = Slightly included - Small inclusions can be seen with the naked
eye
• I = Included - Inclusions can be seen with the naked eye
• Transparent = A gemstone having the property of transmitting light
without serious diffusion / may have rutile or other inclusions
• Translucent = Allowing light to pass through, but not transparent
• Opaque = Does not allow light to pass through
GEM SHAPES & CUTS:
BIRTHSTONES:
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