The durability of a gemstone depends on its hardness, fracture, and resistance to chemicals. Hardness is measured on the Mohs scale, where 1 is the softest (talc) and 10 is the hardest (diamond). The higher the number, the more resistant the stone is to scratches and wear.

Hard & Durable Gemstones (7-10 on the Mohs scale)

These stones are resistant to scratches and are great for everyday wear.

1. Diamond (10)

• Durability: Extremely hard, resistant to scratches and wear.
• Care: Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals.
• Notes: Excellent for rings and jewelry worn daily.

2. Sapphire (9)

• Durability: Highly resistant to scratches. Very durable, ideal for rings.
• Care: Clean with warm water and mild soap. Use a soft cloth to dry.
• Notes: Sapphires can withstand most wear and tear but avoid extreme pressure.

3. Ruby (9)

• Durability: Almost as tough as sapphires, resistant to scratches.
• Care: Similar to sapphire—clean with mild soap and water.
• Notes: Keep out of extreme heat and avoid hard knocks.

4. Emerald (7.5-8)

• Durability: While beautiful, emeralds can be more prone to chipping and cracking due to natural inclusions (also called "jardin").
• Care: Clean with warm water and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh cleaning solutions and ultrasonic cleaners.
• Notes: Emeralds should be protected from impact.

Moderately Durable Gemstones (6-7 on the Mohs scale)

These stones are fairly durable but need more care and attention.

5. Topaz (8)

• Durability: Highly resistant to scratches but can break under pressure.
• Care: Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth.
• Notes: Topaz can chip under impact, so be cautious with daily wear.

6. Garnet (7-7.5)

• Durability: Resilient to scratches but can fracture if hit hard.
• Care: Clean with water and mild soap.
• Notes: Garnet is suitable for rings and pendants but should be handled gently.

7. Amethyst (7)

• Durability: Fairly hard, but can be scratched or damaged if dropped on a hard surface.
• Care: Use mild soap and warm water for cleaning.
• Notes: Keep away from harsh chemicals to preserve its color.

8. Citrine (7)

• Durability: Similar to amethyst, citrine is moderately durable but can scratch or fracture with heavy impacts.
• Care: Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap.
• Notes: Avoid exposure to extreme heat as it may alter the color.

Soft Gemstones (5-6 on the Mohs scale)

These stones are delicate and require extra care to avoid damage.

9. Moonstone (6)

• Durability: Soft and prone to scratching. Avoid impact and harsh conditions.
• Care: Clean with water and a soft cloth, avoid chemicals.
• Notes: Moonstone is sensitive to rough handling and should be worn with caution.

10. Rose Quartz (7)

• Durability: Vulnerable to scratches but fairly resistant to general wear.
• Care: Clean with a soft cloth and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals.
• Notes: Keep away from sharp objects to prevent scratching.

11. Lapis Lazuli (5-6)

• Durability: Prone to scratches and fading over time.
• Care: Clean with a damp cloth, avoid ultrasonic cleaners.
• Notes: Keep away from chemicals and prolonged exposure to sunlight.

12. Turquoise (5-6)

• Durability: Soft and can be scratched easily, particularly if treated with dyes or wax.
• Care: Avoid harsh chemicals, water, and excessive friction.
• Notes: Store separately from harder stones to prevent scratches.

Extremely Soft Gemstones (<5 on the Mohs scale)

These gemstones are very delicate and are not ideal for everyday wear.

13. Opal (5-6)

• Durability: Soft and porous, opals are sensitive to moisture and scratches.
• Care: Clean with a soft cloth and avoid water. Store in a dry, padded box.
• Notes: Opals are best suited for earrings or pendants, not rings.

14. Amber (2-2.5)

• Durability: Very soft and easily scratched.
• Care: Clean with a soft cloth and avoid water or chemicals.
• Notes: Amber is best worn as a pendant or in settings that won’t subject it to pressure.

General Care Tips for Gemstones:

• Avoid impact: Gemstones, especially softer ones, can crack or chip if hit against hard surfaces.
• Store separately: Keep each piece in a soft pouch or individual box to prevent scratches from other jewelry.
• Keep away from chemicals: Strong chemicals or perfumes can damage both the appearance and the energy of your gemstones.
• Regular cleaning: Clean with mild soap and water for most stones. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away dust and oils after wearing.