In 1822, a German Mineralogist,
Friedrich Moh, developed a hardness scale.
While not scientifically based on the
true numerical hardness of gemstones,
it is so practical in its application,
it's still in use today by most Geologists and
Gemologists.
Some things should be
said first--some stones/gems are
harder in one direction than
the other. For instance, Calcite is
easily scratched with a nail in one
direction (Hardness 2), but difficult
to scratch in another direction
(Hardness 3).
Some
handy points of reference are: a
fingernail, about 2 -2 1/2. A copper
penny is about a Hardness of 3, a
steel knife, a bit over 5 and glass
about 5 1/2. Really good steel runs
about 6 1/2.
Hardness
Key Stone
Comments
10
Diamond
Hardest mineral known to man
9
Corundum (Sapphire/Ruby)
Harder
than Topaz
8
Topaz
Harder
than Quartz
7
Quartz
Scratches
Glass
6
Microcline
Suitable for gems
5
Apatite
About the hardness of teeth
4
Fluorite
Cannot be scratched with a nail
3
Calcite
Difficult to scratch with a nail
2
Gypsum
Easily scratched with nail
1
Talc
Very soft, chalk-like
Disclaimer: Newage Enterprises makes no claims as to the healing properties of this gemstone. We provide information on legends surrounding this stone's mystical and healing properties which allow the informed user to make their own decision.
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