Below is the Mohs Scale of Hardness. Remember that this scale is not proportional, only relative. Meaning that any gemstone rated as a 9 (for instance) will scratch any other 9, and any gemstone below. But will not scratch any gemstone above. However, this does not mean that a 9 is any degree of hardness more or less on a proportional scale to any other stone. Below is a listing of the hardness of many important gemstones based on the Mohs Scale.
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Talc |
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Gypsum |
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Calcite |
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Fluorite |
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Apatite |
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Feldspar |
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Quartz |
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Topaz |
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Corundum |
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Diamond |
| Diamond: .........10 | Syth. Moissanite:9.5 | Corundum: .........9 |
| Cubic Zirconia: .8.5 | Spinel: ................8 | Topaz: .................8 |
| Emerald: .......7.5 - 8 | Almandite: ..........7.5 | Rhodolite: ......7 - 7.5 |
| Pyrope: .........7 - 7.5 | Spessartite: ...7 - 7.5 | Tourmaline: ...7 - 7.5 |
| Iolite: .............7 - 7.5 | Quartz Group: ......7 | Peridot: ..........6.5 - 7 |
| Jadeite: .........6.5 - 7 | Andradite: ....6.5 - 7 | Scapolite: ...........6.5 |
| Zircon (low): .....6.5 | Tanzanite: ....6.5 - 7 | Feldspars: .........6 - 7 |
| Nephrite: ......6 - 6.5 | Opal: .................5.5 | Lazulite: ............5 - 6 |
| Lapiz Lazuli: ....5- 6 | Turquoise: .......5 - 6 | Sphene: ..........5 - 5.5 |
| Apatite: .............5 | Rhodochrosite: .....4 | Coral ................3 - 4 |
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