Moissanite is one of the most popular alternatives to diamonds nowadays. People like it because of its brightness, price, and durability. Many buyers wonder: Is moissanite really hard enough for everyday jewelry? The answer is yes, and here is why.
What is the Mohs hardness scale and Why Does It Matter?
The Mohs hardness scale is the scientific measure for determining how well a gemstone stands up to scratching.
It is around the scale 1 to 10, and 1 is considered to be the softest, whereas 10 is the hardest.
For instance:
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Talc=1 (very soft)
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Quartz = 7
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Diamond = 10 (hardest natural material)
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This matters in relation to jewelry because the higher hardness means your gemstone can withstand daily wear without scratches.
Moissanite Hardness Scale
Moissanite is rated 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, making this gemstone one of the hardest stones in the world.
Here is how it compares with others:
With a 9.25 rating, the Mohs hardness scale confirms that moissanite is one of the hardest gemstones available for jewelry.
Moissanite vs. Diamond: Which is Stronger?
Well, it is just that diamonds, being the hardest of all natural materials, score 10 on the Mohs scale. While Moissanite is rated at 9.25, it is not far behind.
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Diamonds: The hardest natural material (10 on the Mohs scale), but very expensive.
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Moissanite: Nearly as hard as 9.25, but much more affordable and ethical.
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In the hands of most people, there would be no visible difference, and they both can last a lifetime with care.
The Reason Why Hardness Makes Moissanite Perfect for Jewelry
Hardness makes a lot of difference when choosing jewelry. With a score of 9.25, moissanite means:
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Most common scratch sources will be ineffective at scratching it.
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It, too, keeps the shine and brightness intact over the years.
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It is appropriate for making engagement rings and jewelry designed for daily use.
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This wonderful, plus strong combination makes moissanite a reputable option for hardness.
As moissanite is durable, it is resistant to scratches from normal wear, such as keys, coins, and most natural stones. For this reason, moissanite makes a wonderful choice for rings that will be worn often, such as wedding bands and engagement rings.
Caring For Moissanite and Maintaining Durability
Moissanite is moderately durable and would stay looking new with the care you would normally apply to wear it, without much extra care.
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Cleaning moissanite is really simple, just soap and warm water, and a soft cloth is all you need!
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When storing your jewelry, put pieces away in separate pouches or separate sections of your jewelry box, or keep them separated from anything else with the potential to scratch the moissanite.
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Keep away from chemical cleaners (bleach and other strong cleaners).
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If you care for your moissanite jewelry properly, it will absolutely be beautiful for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does moissanite scratch easily?
With a 9.25 rating on the Mohs scale, moissanite is highly scratch-resistant and suitable for everyday wear.
2. Can moissanite break or chip?
While very durable, no gemstone is completely unbreakable. A very strong impact could chip moissanite, just like diamonds or sapphires.
3. Does moissanite lose its sparkle over time?
No. Moissanite’s brilliance comes from its natural crystal structure, which does not fade. Proper cleaning will keep it sparkling.
4. How does moissanite compare to lab-grown diamonds in hardness?
Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds, so they rate 10 on the Mohs scale. Moissanite, at 9.25, is slightly lower but still extremely durable.