Moissanite Hardness: What to Know About Scratches

With a wide range of luxurious alternatives to diamonds now available, jewelry lovers are looking for more alternatives to enhance their collections with stunning and sophisticated gemstones.

Moissanite has emerged as one of the most sought-after diamond alternatives today. This captivating, colorless gemstone occurs naturally, but the crystals found in nature are too small for use in jewelry. Instead, Moissanite is created in a controlled environment, resulting in a jewel that combines exceptional beauty with high-end appeal. Many collectors cherish natural, earth-mined diamonds and Moissanite, appreciating each for its unique brilliance and qualities. Whether as an alternative to diamonds or other premium gemstones, Moissanite continues to shine as a favorite choice for modern jewelry lovers.

Choosing a Durable Gemstone for Your Everyday Life

Imagine celebrating your first anniversary only to discover your cherished ring has become scratched, cloudy, chipped, or—worse—completely shattered. Daily wear can take a toll on your jewelry if the chosen stone isn’t durable enough to withstand your lifestyle.

While there are many stunning precious and semi-precious gemstones, their durability varies significantly. To avoid future disappointment, it’s crucial to think beyond just the design and consider when and how often you’ll wear your jewelry. Selecting a stone that can handle your everyday activities ensures your piece remains as beautiful as the day you first wore it.

Durability is also tied to hardness. Harder gemstones resist scratches better, maintaining their shine and sparkle for years to come. Even microscopic scratches can dull a stone over time, so opting for a harder gem can help preserve its brilliance and reduce the risk of damage. Make a thoughtful choice now, and enjoy your jewelry worry-free for years.

Understanding hardness in gemstones

Hardness measures a material's resistance to being scratched and is determined by the Mohs scale, a standard scale ranging from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). For context, talc ranks at 1, and diamonds—the hardest naturally occurring substance—are rated at 10.

Hardness is critical for gemstones, especially for those worn daily, like engagement rings or earrings. A harder gemstone is less likely to show scratches over time, maintaining its sparkle and appearance.

Where Does Moissanite Fall on the Mohs Scale? 

Moissanite ranks 9.25 on the Mohs scale, placing it among the hardest gemstones available. While not as hard as diamonds, moissanite is harder than most other gemstones, including:

• Sapphires and rubies (9)
• Emeralds (7.5–8)
• Amethysts and quartz (7)

This hardness makes moissanite exceptionally resistant to scratches from everyday objects like keys, coins, or household surfaces. Only substances harder than moissanite, such as diamonds or certain industrial tools, can scratch it.

Moissanite’s resilience in everyday wear

Thanks to its high hardness, Moissanite is an excellent choice for everyday jewelry, including engagement rings, wedding rings, and bracelets. Its durability means it can withstand the occasional accidental bumps and scrapes of everyday life without losing its luster.

However, it’s essential to remember that hardness isn’t the only factor influencing a gemstone's overall durability. Toughness—the ability to resist chipping or breaking—is another critical property. Moissanite boasts good toughness, making it less prone to damage from impacts than many other gemstones.

Can moissanite scratch or be scratched?

While moissanite is highly scratch-resistant, it is not entirely scratch-proof. Here are a few scenarios to consider:

1. Contact with Harder Materials
   Only materials with a higher Mohs rating, such as diamonds or specialized industrial abrasives, can scratch moissanite. For instance, if moissanite comes into direct contact with a diamond, there’s a risk of scratching.
2. Improper Storage
   Storing moissanite jewelry alongside other gemstones or in a cluttered jewelry box can lead to scratches if harder materials rub against it. Using a soft, padded jewelry box or individual pouches can prevent this.
3. Exposure to Rough Surfaces
   Although everyday items are unlikely to scratch moissanite, consistently exposing it to rough surfaces like unpolished concrete or abrasive materials should still be avoided.

How to protect Moissanite from scratches?

Protecting your Moissanite jewelry involves simple care and mindful habits:

• Proper Storage: Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or a compartmentalized jewelry box to avoid contact with other gemstones or hard surfaces.
• Gentle Cleaning: Clean moissanite regularly using warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which could potentially scratch the setting or surrounding metals.
• Avoid Abrasives: While moissanite is tough, avoid cleaning tools with rough surfaces or polishing wheels that may damage the gemstone or its setting.
• Professional Check-Ups: Take your jewelry to a professional jeweler for regular inspections. They can ensure the stone is secure in its setting and address any wear or damage.

The Moissanite's durability

Moissanite’s hardness and overall durability make it a standout choice for those seeking beauty, sustainability, and practicality in their jewelry. Its ability to resist scratches and retain its brilliance over time ensures that it remains a cherished piece for years to come.

Whether you’re selecting an engagement ring, a pair of earrings, or a pendant, moissanite offers a blend of elegance and resilience that’s hard to match. By understanding its properties and adopting proper care practices, you can enjoy the timeless sparkle of moissanite without worry.

Conclusion:

Moissanite’s hardness is one of its greatest strengths, making it a practical and beautiful choice for everyday jewelry. By following proper care and storage practices, your moissanite jewelry will continue to shine brilliantly for years to come. At Alef Jewels, our moissanite jewelry offers a radiant alternative to diamonds, blending exquisite beauty with captivating brilliance. Choose moissanite for its beauty and ability to stand the test of time, making it a gemstone that’s as enduring as the memories it symbolizes.