Among the most cherished gems, rubies have captivated hearts and adorned crowns for centuries. One of the key attributes that make rubies so desirable is their hardness—a quality that not only contributes to their durability but also influences their value and suitability for jewelry.
Understanding Hardness: The Mohs Scale
To appreciate the significance of ruby hardness, it’s essential to understand how gemstone hardness is measured. The Mohs scale of mineral hardness, developed by German geologist Friedrich Mohs in 1812, rates minerals on a scale from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). On this scale
Diamond holds the top spot at 10, being the hardest known natural material.
Corundum, the mineral family to which rubies belong, ranks second at 9.
The Mohs scale is not linear; rather, it indicates relative hardness. For example, a diamond (10) is four times harder than corundum (9), which is twice as hard as topaz (8). This non-linear relationship underscores why even small differences in hardness can significantly impact a gemstone's durability and resistance to scratching.
Factors Influencing Ruby Hardness
While all rubies belong to the corundum family and share a Mohs hardness of 9, several factors can influence their overall durability:
Inclusions: Natural rubies often contain microscopic inclusions—tiny crystals, bubbles, or fractures within the stone. While these inclusions can enhance a ruby’s character and uniqueness, they may also affect its structural integrity. High-quality rubies with fewer inclusions tend to be more durable.
Treatment Methods: Some rubies undergo heat treatment to improve color and clarity. When done correctly, this process does not significantly alter the stone's hardness. However, improper treatment can introduce weaknesses, so it’s important to purchase from reputable sources that disclose any treatments.
Cut and Shape: The way a ruby is cut can impact its durability. Faceted cuts like oval, round, and cushion shapes distribute stress evenly, reducing the risk of chipping or cracking. Conversely, sharp-edged cuts such as emerald or marquise might be more susceptible to damage.
Practical Significance of Ruby's Hardness
The hardness of ruby makes it particularly suitable for jewelry that requires resilience and durability. Here are the practical benefits of ruby's hardness:
Scratch Resistance: Since ruby has a Mohs hardness of 9, it resists scratches from most other materials, ensuring that your ruby jewelry will retain its shine and brilliance for a long time.
Durability: Due to its hardness, rubies can withstand daily wear and tear without noticeable wear and tear. They are ideal for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other frequently worn jewelry.
Versatility in Design: Ruby's hardness allows jewelers to confidently create intricate designs. Whether set in delicate filigree or bold statement pieces, rubies hold up well in a variety of settings and styles.
Comparing Ruby Hardness to Other Gems
To fully appreciate the hardness of rubies, it’s helpful to compare them to other popular gemstones:
Diamond (10): While diamonds are the hardest natural material, they can be brittle and prone to chipping along cleavage planes. Rubies, though slightly softer, offer comparable scratch resistance with greater toughness.
Sapphire (9): As another form of corundum, sapphires share the same hardness as rubies. Both stones exhibit excellent durability, making them equally suitable for high-wear jewelry.
Emerald (7.5-8): Emeralds, despite their striking green color, are less hard than rubies. They require more careful handling and are typically reserved for occasional wear.
The hardness of rubies stands as a testament to their enduring allure and versatility. From ancient times to modern day, these precious gems have enchanted individuals with their vibrant color and remarkable durability. At OBY Jewelry, we celebrate the beauty and strength of rubies, offering a wide selection of pieces that showcase their hardness and elegance. Whether you’re seeking an engagement ring, a birthday gift, or a personal treasure, rubies provide a lasting symbol of love, passion, and resilience.
Princess Cut Ruby Heart Necklace
