The Mohs hardness scale measures the relative hardness of gemstones, as determined by their scratch hardness (the resistance of a mineral when scratched with a pointed testing object.) The diamond is the hardest natural gemstone in the world and measures a ten on the hardness scale. Gemstones measured at a one can be easily scratched with a fingernail. To learn the hardness of many popular gemstone materials, see the chart below.
Scale | Hardness | Material |
1 | Can be scratched easily with a fingernail | Sulfur: 1 - 1-1/2 |
2 | Can be scratched with fingernail |
Amber: 2 - 3
Ivory: 2 - 4 |
3 | Can be scratched with coin |
Pearl: 3 - 4
Coral: 3 - 4 Malachite: 3-1/2 - 4 |
4 | Can be scratched easily with a knife; cannot scratch glass | Rhodochrosite: 4 |
5 | Can be scratched with a knife; can just scratch glass |
Lapis Lazuli: 5 - 6
Turquoise: 5 - 6 Opal: 5-1/2 - 6-1/2 |
6 | Can be scratched with a steel file; easily scratches window/bottle glass |
Moonstone: 6 - 6 1/2
Tanzanite: 6-1/2 - 7 Peridot: 6-1/2 - 7 Zircon: 6-1/2 - 7-1/2 |
7 | Easily scratches metal, glass and softer stones |
Quartz, Citrine, and Amethyst: 7
Tourmaline: 7 - 7-1/2 Garnet: 7 - 7-1/2 Emerald: 7-1/2 - 8 |
8 | Scratches quartz and softer stones |
Topaz: 8
Alexandrite: 8-1/2 |
9 | Scratches topaz and softer stones |
Ruby: 9
Sapphire: 9 |
10 | Scratches ruby | Diamond: 10 |
How did you like this resource? Your feedback helps us provide resources that matter to you most.
All works of authorship (articles, videos, tutorials and other creative works) are from the Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® Collection, and permission to copy is granted for non-commercial educational purposes only. All other reproduction requires written permission. For more information, please email copyrightpermission@firemtn.com.