Gemstone Mohs Hardness Scale (Mohs Scale) ranks minerals from 1 to 10 based on scratch resistance and durability. Our Gemstone Hardness Scale Visualizer helps you easily compare gemstone toughness, understand wearability, and make informed jewelry choices.
What Is the Gemstone Mohs Hardness Scale?
The Gemstone Hardness Scale, known as the Mohs Scale of Hardness, helps gemologists, jewelers, and collectors understand how resistant each mineral is to scratches. Friedrich Mohs created this system in 1812, ranking minerals from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). By using the scale, experts can quickly determine whether a gemstone can handle daily wear or whether it should stay reserved for occasional jewelry. The Mohs Scale also guides cutting, setting, and long-term care decisions, making it one of the most important tools in modern gemology.
For instance, diamonds top the scale with a perfect 10, making them ideal for engagement rings, while amber and malachite, much softer, require gentle care and protection.
Beryl Family Gemstones (With Mohs Hardness Table)
The Beryl Family gemstones form one of the most important mineral groups in gemology, admired for their exceptional durability, broad color range, and strong presence in fine jewelry. All varieties share a consistent Mohs hardness of 7.5–8, making them reliable, scratch resistant, and suitable for long term everyday wear an essential factor buyers search for. The group includes world famous gemstones like Emerald, Aquamarine, Morganite, Heliodor, and the extremely rare Red Beryl (Bixbite). Each stone carries unique characteristics, but all maintain the signature beryl toughness, elevating the family’s desirability in the global gemstone market and boosting its value among collectors, investors, and jewelry lovers.
Beryl Family Gemstones – Mohs Hardness Table
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Mohs Hardness Emerald | 7.5 – 8 |
| Mohs Hardness Aquamarine | 7.5 – 8 |
| Mohs Hardness Morganite | 7.5 – 8 |
| Mohs Hardness Heliodor | 7.5 – 8 |
| Mohs Hardness Goshenite | 7.5 – 8 |
| Mohs Hardness Golden Beryl | 7.5 – 8 |
| Mohs Hardness Maxixe | 7.5 – 8 |
| Mohs Hardness Red Beryl (Bixbite) | 7.5 – 8 |
Corundum Family Gemstones (With Mohs Hardness Scale Table)
The Corundum Family gemstones are among the most durable, valuable, and historically significant minerals in the world, celebrated for their incredible Mohs hardness of 9, second only to diamond. This elite hardness makes corundum ideal for all jewelry types, including rings and daily wear pieces, giving it superior scratch resistance and long term performance. The family includes the fiery and iconic Ruby, prized for its pure red saturation, and the vast Sapphire group, admired for its endless colors from deep blue to rare varieties like Padparadscha Sapphire, known for its lotus blossom blend of pink and orange, and Golden Sheen Sapphire, recognized for its shimmering metallic effect. Together, these gemstones hold a significant place in luxury jewelry, investment markets, and collector circles due to their durability, brilliance, and rarity.
Corundum Family Gemstones – Mohs Hardness Table
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Mohs Hardness Ruby | 9 |
| Mohs Hardness Sapphire (Blue) | 9 |
| Mohs Hardness Padparadscha Sapphire | 9 |
| Mohs Hardness Golden Sheen Sapphire | 9 |
Quartz Group Gemstones (With Mohs Hardness Table)
The Quartz Group gemstones are among the world’s most abundant and diverse mineral families, valued for their beauty, durability, and wide color spectrum. All quartz varieties share a dependable Mohs hardness of 7, making them strong enough for daily wear jewelry while remaining affordable and accessible to every type of collector. This group includes popular stones such as Amethyst, Citrine, Smoky Quartz, and Rose Quartz, along with microcrystalline varieties like Chalcedony, which expands into sub groups such as Agate, Onyx, and Carnelian. Rare blends like Ametrine combine purple and yellow zones naturally, while Aventurine sparkles with aventurescence, and Bloodstone (Heliotrope) stands out for its deep green base with red patterns. Together, these gemstones dominate the gemstone market due to their versatility, spiritual significance, and consistent performance.
Quartz Group Gemstones – Mohs Hardness Table
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Mohs Hardness Amethyst | 7 |
| Mohs Hardness Citrine | 7 |
| Mohs Hardness Smoky Quartz | 7 |
| Mohs Hardness Rose Quartz | 7 |
| Mohs Hardness Chalcedony | 7 |
| Mohs Hardness Agate | 7 |
| Mohs Hardness Onyx | 7 |
| Mohs Hardness Carnelian | 7 |
| Mohs Hardness Ametrine | 7 |
| Mohs Hardness Aventurine | 7 |
| Mohs Hardness Bloodstone (Heliotrope) | 7 |
Feldspar Group Gemstones (With Mohs Hardness Table)
The Feldspar Group gemstones are some of the most visually captivating minerals on Earth, known for their iridescence, optical effects, and wide variety of colors. These gemstones typically display a Mohs hardness of 6–6.5, offering moderate durability suitable for pendants, earrings, and carefully worn rings. The group includes the mystical Moonstone, prized for its moonlit glow; the vibrant Labradorite, famous for its striking flashes of blue and green; and the sparkling Sunstone, admired for its aventurescent, metallic shimmer. Other members include soothing Amazonite, recognized for its turquoise green hues, and classic Orthoclase, a key mineral in moonstone formation. Together, these Feldspar gemstones attract jewelry designers, collectors, and crystal enthusiasts with their striking uniqueness, captivating light play, and powerful metaphysical appeal. Their color shifts, shimmering adularescence, and natural beauty make Feldspar minerals some of the most sought-after stones in both fine jewelry and crystal healing.
Feldspar Group Gemstones – Mohs Hardness Table
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Mohs Hardness Moonstone (Adularia) | 6 – 6.5 |
| Mohs Hardness Labradorite | 6 – 6.5 |
| Mohs Hardness Sunstone | 6 – 6.5 |
| Mohs Hardness Amazonite | 6 – 6.5 |
| Mohs Hardness Orthoclase | 6 – 6.5 |
Garnet Group Gemstones (With Mohs Hardness Table)
The Garnet Group gemstones represent one of the most diverse and widely loved mineral families, known for their rich colors, strong brilliance, and excellent durability. Most garnets fall within a reliable Mohs hardness range of 6.5 to 7.5, making them suitable for daily wear jewelry while offering both beauty and resilience. The group includes deep red Almandine, fiery and intense Pyrope, vibrant orange Spessartine, and the rare, emerald green Tsavorite, one of the most valuable garnet varieties. Their natural brilliance, combined with their affordability and wide availability, has made garnets extremely popular among jewelry designers, gem collectors, and gemstone enthusiasts worldwide.
Garnet Group Gemstones – Mohs Hardness Scale Table
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Mohs Hardness Almandine | 7 – 7.5 |
| Mohs Hardness Pyrope | 7 – 7.5 |
| Mohs Hardness Spessartine | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Mohs Hardness Tsavorite | 7 – 7.5 |
Tourmaline Group Gemstones (With Mohs Hardness Table)
The Tourmaline Group gemstones are celebrated for their extraordinary color diversity, strong durability, and popularity in fine jewelry and collector markets. All tourmalines share a dependable Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5, making them well suited for daily wear jewelry while offering good scratch resistance and long term durability. This versatile group includes colorful varieties such as Elbaite, the most common gem quality tourmaline; Indicolite, admired for its rich blue hues; Rubellite, known for its vivid pink to red tones; and Dravite, recognized for its earthy brown shades. The rare and highly valuable Paraiba Tourmaline, famous for its neon blue to green glow caused by copper content, is one of the most sought after gemstones in the world. With their exceptional color range, optical appeal, and structural strength, tourmalines remain a top choice for designers, collectors, and gemstone investors.
Tourmaline Group Gemstones – Mohs Hardness Table
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Elbaite Mohs Hardness | 7 – 7.5 |
| Indicolite Mohs Hardness | 7 – 7.5 |
| Paraiba Tourmaline Mohs Hardness | 7 – 7.5 |
| Rubellite Mohs Hardness | 7 – 7.5 |
| Dravite Mohs Hardness | 7 – 7.5 |
Spinel Group Gemstones (With Mohs Hardness Scale Table)
The Spinel Group gemstones are admired for their exceptional brilliance, rich color diversity, and outstanding durability, making them one of the most underrated yet rapidly rising gemstone families. With a strong Mohs hardness of 8, spinel offers excellent scratch resistance and long lasting wear, ideal for engagement rings and fine jewelry. Spinel naturally occurs in a wide range of colors including red, blue, pink, purple, orange, black, and gray each highly valued for its vibrant saturation and crystal clarity. Historically mistaken for ruby and sapphire, Spinel has earned significant recognition in modern gemology due to its beauty, rarity, and natural untreated nature. Today, collectors and designers appreciate Spinel for its brilliance, affordability, and increasing investment potential.
Spinel Group Gemstones – Mohs Hardness Table
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Mohs Hardness Spinel (all colors) | 8 |
Topaz Gemstone (With Mohs Hardness Table)
Topaz is one of the most durable and brilliantly colored gemstones in the world, prized for its exceptional clarity, vibrant hues, and remarkable Mohs hardness of 8. Known for its strong durability and high refractive index, Topaz is ideal for everyday jewelry, including rings, pendants, and high end designs. Natural Topaz occurs in a wide range of colors such as golden Imperial Topaz, sky to Swiss Blue Topaz (commonly treated), and soft pink to peach tones found in Pink Topaz. Because of its impressive brilliance, affordability, and durability, Topaz has become a top choice among jewelers, collectors, and gemstone enthusiasts seeking beauty with structural strength.
Topaz – Mohs Hardness Table
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Topaz Mohs Hardness | 8 |
Tanzanite (Zoisite Variety) – With Mohs Hardness Scale Table
Tanzanite, the rare blue-to-violet variety of the Zoisite family, remains one of the most significant gemstone discoveries of modern times. Found only in Tanzania’s Merelani Hills, it is far rarer than many traditional gemstones. Tanzanite amazes collectors with its strong pleochroism, displaying flashes of blue, violet, and burgundy from different viewing angles. With a Mohs hardness of 6 to 7, it offers moderate durability, performing best in protected ring settings and excelling in pendants and earrings. Its single-source origin, vivid color, and growing global demand have made Tanzanite a highly sought after gemstone among designers, collectors, and investors. As supply continues to tighten, Tanzanite’s value and desirability keep rising across the global market.
Tanzanite (Zoisite) – Mohs Hardness Table
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Mohs Hardness Tanzanite (Zoisite variety) | 6 – 7 |
Zircon Gemstone – With Mohs Hardness Table
Zircon is a natural gemstone prized for its brilliance, high refractive index, and wide range of colors, from colorless to yellow, brown, red, and even blue. With a Mohs hardness of 7.5, Zircon offers good durability for rings, pendants, and other jewelry when handled with care. Unlike synthetic cubic zirconia, natural Zircon is a crystal that exhibits strong fire and luster, making it a brilliant alternative for collectors seeking affordable yet high quality gemstones. Zircon has been valued throughout history for its vibrant colors and rarity, particularly blue Zircon, which is often heat-treated to enhance its shade. Its combination of beauty, clarity, and respectable hardness makes Zircon a favorite among jewelers, gemologists, and gemstone enthusiasts worldwide.
Zircon – Mohs Hardness Scale Table
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Zircon Mohs Hardness | 7.5 |
Chrysoberyl Gemstones – With Mohs Hardness Table
The Chrysoberyl gemstone family is celebrated for its brilliance, durability, and rare color changing properties, with Alexandrite being the most famous variety. Chrysoberyl has an impressive Mohs hardness of 8.5, making it highly durable and ideal for rings, earrings, and daily wear jewelry. Alexandrite captivates collectors with its exceptional pleochroism, shifting from vibrant green in daylight to deep red under incandescent light. This dramatic color transformation sets Alexandrite apart and makes it one of the most coveted and valuable gemstones in the world. Other Chrysoberyl varieties include the golden yellow Cymophane cat’s eye, known for its chatoyancy, which adds to the group’s versatility and charm. With exceptional hardness, striking optical phenomena, and rarity, Chrysoberyl remains a favorite among collectors, jewelers, and investors seeking unique and valuable gemstones.
Chrysoberyl Gemstones – Mohs Hardness Table
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Chrysoberyl Mohs Hardness | 8.5 |
| Alexandrite Mohs Hardness | 8.5 |
Peridot (Olivine) Mohs Hardness Scale
Peridot, the gemstone variety of Olivine, is admired for its bright olive green hues and remarkable natural glow. With a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7, it offers moderate durability, making it suitable for most jewelry when properly cared for. Its rich color is caused by iron within its structure, making Peridot one of the few gems whose color is inherent, not impurity based. Ancient civilizations treasured Peridot for protection and prosperity, and today it remains highly sought after for its fresh, vibrant tones. Its balanced durability, unique formation, and striking color make Peridot a universally appealing gemstone.
Peridot (Olivine) – Mohs Hardness Table
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Mohs Hardness Peridot (Olivine) | 6.5–7 |
Sphene (Titanite) Mohs Hardness Scale
Sphene, also known as Titanite, is celebrated for its extraordinary fire and brilliance, surpassing even diamonds in dispersion. With a Mohs hardness of 5–5.5, it is softer than many gems and best suited for protected jewelry designs. Its vivid color range yellow, green, brown, and orange combined with its dazzling rainbow flashes makes it one of the most spectacular collector’s stones. Sphene’s high refractive index and distinct birefringence give it unmatched sparkle and complexity. Although delicate, its optical beauty and rarity secure its position as a premium gem for connoisseurs.
Sphene (Titanite) – Mohs Hardness Table
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Mohs Hardness Sphene (Titanite) | 5–5.5 |
Kunzite (Spodumene Variety)
Kunzite, the pink-violet variety of Spodumene, is admired for its soft pastel hues and strong pleochroism, shifting colors as it moves. With a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7, it offers good wearability but must be protected from strong impacts and prolonged sunlight. Its gentle coloration and high clarity make Kunzite a favorite in luxury jewelry and large statement pieces. Many gems show beautiful transparency and brilliance, making them ideal for contemporary and elegant designs. Kunzite’s delicate beauty and gemological uniqueness make it a treasured gemstone for collectors and designers.
Kunzite – Mohs Hardness Table
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Mohs Hardness Kunzite (Spodumene) | 6.5–7 |
Opal (Amorphous)
Opal is renowned for its mesmerizing play-of-color, displaying brilliant flashes of green, blue, violet, and red. Because Opal is amorphous and contains water, its Mohs hardness varies from 5–6.5, making it softer than crystalline gemstones. Its structure diffracts light through microscopic silica spheres, creating its signature rainbow effect. From Black Opal to White, Boulder, and Fire Opal, each type offers a distinct visual identity. Opal’s unparalleled optical beauty and rarity keep it in high demand among jewelers, collectors, and gemstone enthusiasts.
Opal – Mohs Hardness Table
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Mohs Hardness Opal (Amorphous) | 5–6.5 |
Turquoise (Phosphate Mineral)
Turquoise is an opaque phosphate mineral known for its captivating sky-blue to greenish-blue hues, often highlighted by stunning natural matrix patterns. With a Mohs hardness of 5–6, it is relatively soft, making stabilization a common practice to enhance durability. Revered for thousands of years, Turquoise carries deep cultural and spiritual significance across civilizations. Its unique veining, color saturation, and natural patterns make each piece one-of-a-kind. Today, Turquoise remains a timeless and highly collectible gemstone in both traditional and modern jewelry.
Turquoise – Mohs Hardness Table
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Turquoise Mohs Hardness | 5–6 |
Pearl, Amber, Coral (Organic Gemstones)
Pearl, Amber, and Coral are organic gemstones, formed through natural biological processes rather than mineral crystallization. In Pearl (2.5–4.5) is cherished for its luster and elegance, forming inside mollusks. Amber (2–2.5) originates from fossilized tree resin and often contains ancient inclusions. Coral (3–4) is created in marine environments and valued for its deep red, orange, and pink hues. While softer than minerals, these gems hold immense cultural and historical value. Their natural beauty, rarity, and symbolic meanings make them important in fine jewelry around the world.
Organic Gemstones – Mohs Hardness Table
Lapis Lazuli (Composite Stone With Lazurite)
Lapis Lazuli is a composite gemstone composed primarily of lazurite, with inclusions of pyrite and calcite, giving it its deep blue color and gold-like metallic sparkle. With a Mohs hardness of 5–5.5, it is moderately soft but highly valued for artistic carvings and ornamental jewelry. Its ultramarine blue pigment has been sought after for thousands of years, even used in historic masterpieces by famous artists. High-quality Lapis displays rich uniform blue with minimal calcite veins. Its legendary beauty and cultural influence make it a cherished gemstone to this day.
Lapis Lazuli – Mohs Hardness Table
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Lapis Lazuli Mohs Hardness | 5–5.5 |
Malachite & Azurite (Copper Carbonates)
Malachite and Azurite are copper carbonate gemstones known for their vibrant colors Malachite with its striking green banding and Azurite with deep royal blue tones. With a Mohs hardness of 3.5–4, both stones are relatively soft and most often used in carvings, beads, and polished display pieces. Their beautiful patterns and bold colors have made them historically significant and highly collectible. Due to their softness, they require careful handling, but their aesthetic value is unmatched in decorative arts. These copper minerals remain among the most visually captivating and culturally rich gemstones.
Malachite & Azurite – Mohs Hardness Table
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Malachite Mohs Hardness | 3.5–4 |
| Azurite Mohs Hardness | 3.5–4 |
FAQ For Mohs Hardness
The Mohs hardness scale ranks gemstones from 1 to 10 based on their scratch resistance. Diamond is the hardest at 10, while softer organic gems like Pearl and Amber range from 2–4.5.
The Corundum family, including Ruby and Sapphire, is the hardest after diamond with a Mohs hardness of 9.
The Beryl family includes Emerald, Aquamarine, Morganite, Heliodor, Goshenite, Golden Beryl, Maxixe, and Red Beryl, all with a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8.
Emerald has a hardness of 7.5–8, but internal inclusions can make it more brittle compared to other Beryl varieties.
Quartz gemstones include Amethyst, Citrine, Smoky Quartz, Rose Quartz, Ametrine, Aventurine, Chalcedony, Agate, Onyx, Carnelian, and Bloodstone, all around 6.5–7 hardness.
Corundum (Ruby & Sapphire) is the second hardest gemstone with a Mohs hardness of 9.
All Tourmalines, including Elbaite, Indicolite, Paraiba, Rubellite, and Dravite, have a Mohs hardness of 7–7.5.
Yes. Topaz has a Mohs hardness of 8, offering good durability, though it can have cleavage planes that require cautious setting.
Natural Spinel has a Mohs hardness of 8, making it durable and suitable for all jewelry types.
Tanzanite has a Mohs hardness of 6–7, making it softer than Sapphire or Topaz. It requires protective settings for daily wear.
Zircon has a Mohs hardness of 7.5, offering good durability while maintaining brilliant fire and luster.
Alexandrite, part of the Chrysoberyl family, has a Mohs hardness of 8.5, making it very durable and ideal for rings.
Peridot (Olivine) has a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7, offering moderate durability for everyday jewelry.
Sphene has a Mohs hardness of 5–5.5, making it relatively soft and best for pendants or protected settings.
Kunzite, a Spodumene variety, has a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7, but it can fade under strong sunlight.
Opal, an amorphous gemstone, has a Mohs hardness of 5–6.5, making it softer and more prone to scratching.
Yes. Turquoise has a Mohs hardness of 5–6, which is why many stones are stabilized to enhance durability.
Pearls have a Mohs hardness of 2.5–4.5, making them very soft and requiring gentle care and storage.
Amber is an organic gemstone with a Mohs hardness of 2–2.5, formed from fossilized tree resin.
Coral, also organic, has a Mohs hardness of 3–4, making it softer than mineral gemstones.
Lapis Lazuli has a Mohs hardness of 5–5.5, depending on its mixture of lazurite, calcite, and pyrite.
Malachite and Azurite both have a Mohs hardness of 3.5–4, making them soft and ideal for polished pieces rather than rings.
The most durable stones for daily wear include:
Diamond (10)
Corundum (Ruby & Sapphire, 9)
Chrysoberyl (8.5)
Spinel & Topaz (8)
Soft gemstones like Pearl, Coral, Amber, Malachite, Azurite, Opal, and Turquoise require gentle handling and non-abrasive storage.
A hardness of 7 or higher is recommended for everyday rings. This includes Quartz, Topaz, Spinel, Tourmaline, and Beryl varieties.
Conclusion
Understanding the Mohs hardness scale is essential for anyone working with or collecting gemstones. From Diamond (10) to softer organic gems like Pearl and Amber, each gemstone’s hardness determines its durability, best use in jewelry, and care requirements. By exploring all major gemstone families Beryl, Corundum, Quartz, Feldspar, Garnet, Tourmaline, Spinel, Topaz, Tanzanite, Alexandrite, Opal, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, and Azurite you can make informed decisions about selecting, setting, and preserving gemstones. Whether you are a jeweler, collector, or enthusiast, knowing the hardness of each stone helps protect your investment and enjoy its natural beauty for years to come. Use this complete gemstone hardness guide as a reliable reference for both everyday wear and special-occasion pieces.
