Mohs Scale of Hardness! (This list is only for "Setting of Gemstones")

Jewelry Discussion
1

Name of Gem - Hardness - Ease of Setting

Easiest Difficult

Diamond - 10 - 1

Ruby - 9 - 1

Sapphire - 9 - 1

Alexandrite - 8.5 - 3

Topaz - 8 - 2 =>3

Spinel - 8 - 4

Blue Topaz - 8 - 3

Emerald - 7.5 ó 8 - 10

Andalusite - 7.5 - 4

Aquamarine - 7.5 ó 8 - 4

Iolite - 7 ó 7.5 - 5

Smokey Quartz - 7 - 5

Amethyst - 7 - 5

Tourmaline - 7 ó 7.5 - 5

Citrine - 7 - 4

Garnet - 6.5 ó 7.5 - 4

Onyx - 6.5 ó 7 - 3

Tiger Eye - 6.5 ó 7 - 3

Zircon - 6.5 ó 7.5 - 3

Bloodstone - 6.5 ó 7 - 3=>4

Tanzanite - 6.5 ó 7 - 3

Peridot - 6.5 ó 7 - 4=>5

Moonstone - 6 ó 6.5 - 5

Hematite - 5.5 <> 6.5 - 6

Fire Opal - 5.5 ó 6.5 - 8

Opal - 5.5 ó 6.5 - 8

Lapis Lazuli - 5 ó 6 - 9

Turquoise - 5 ó 6 - 9

Malachite - 3.5 ó 4 - 8

Coral - 3 ó 4 - 10

Pearl - 2.5 ó 4.5 - 10

Amber - 2 ó 2.5 - 10

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The “Rating of Ease of Setting” is my own numbering system. Other setters might disagree with me, but I’m satisfied with my own rating.

2

Thank you so much my friend. I have this in print. Now i have it on my smartphone in case its needed.
Aaron

3

Thanks Gerry, I found your setting difficulty ratings helpful. There were some surprises and I’ll watch out for those in the future.