When choosing an engagement ring, durability is key. That’s where the Mohs scale comes in. The Mohs scale measures a gemstone's hardness and its ability to resist scratches, ranging from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). Here's what you need to know about the Mohs scale and how the four precious gemstones—sapphires, rubies, diamonds, and emeralds—stack up.
What is the Mohs Scale?
The Mohs scale, developed by Friedrich Mohs in 1812, is used to rate the hardness of minerals. The scale is simple: the higher the number, the harder the mineral. This is important for engagement rings, which are worn daily and can be subjected to various knocks and scratches.
Sapphire Rings: Hardness Level 9
Sapphires score a solid 9 on the Mohs scale, making them one of the hardest gemstones. This means they’re incredibly durable and perfect for everyday wear. Sapphires are resistant to scratches and hold up well over time, which is one reason they’re so popular in engagement rings.
Browse our collection of sapphire rings.
Ruby Rings: Hardness Level 9
Rubies, like sapphires, also score a 9 on the Mohs scale. This high level of hardness makes rubies an excellent choice for engagement rings. Their durability, combined with their stunning red colour, makes them a timeless and practical option.
Check out our ruby rings. Any Ma Folie ring can be customized for a ruby centre stone.
Diamond Rings: Hardness Level 10
Diamonds top the Mohs scale with a perfect score of 10, making them the hardest natural material on earth. This means diamonds are extremely resistant to scratches.
Emerald Rings: Hardness Level 7.5-8
Emeralds have a hardness rating of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. While they’re not as hard as sapphires, rubies, or diamonds, they’re still relatively durable. However, emeralds do require more care to avoid scratches and chips. Their unique green beauty makes them worth the extra attention.
See our collection of green emerald rings.
Conclusion
Wanna know more? Ma Folie's founder, Cathy, is a GIA jewelry professional who can guide you through the process of selecting the right stone for your engagement ring. Book a consultation today.
