Things that are pretty are often delicate and fragile – fine china, lace and snowflakes, for example. But, are sapphires durable or are they fragile? Sapphires aren’t just pretty; they’re pretty tough, too! Sapphire hardness is second to only that of diamonds, which makes this sparkly blue precious gem a popular choice for everyday or frequently worn pieces. Keep reading to learn what makes sapphires so strong, where sapphires rank on the Mohs hardness scale and other things you should know if you own a sapphire or are considering getting one!
Determining a Gemstone's Durability
For gemstones that will get a lot of airtime (meaning, ones that are worn often), durability matters. One of the most common ways of measuring a gem’s toughness is the Mohs hardness scale. The scale ranks minerals from one to 10 based on their ability to resist scratching. A diamond, for example, scores a perfect 10, while a soft mineral like talc ranks a one.
The best way to think of the hardness of a sapphire is whether a material can visibly scratch another. For example, if sapphires can scratch quartz, but quartz can’t scratch sapphire, sapphire is harder and ranks higher on the Mohs scale. This simple, useful system can really come in handy when you’re researching potential gemstones for a piece of jewelry that may need to withstand some bumps and bangs.
But durability doesn’t end with hardness. That’s just one piece of the puzzle. Some gemstones, such as opals or emeralds, may score relatively high on the Mohs scale but can still chip or break due to their internal inclusions or structural weakness. This means those gemstones may be able to withstand a scratch but can still be brittle and break easily. Stability should also be factored into the durability equation, as some stones (looking at you, topaz!) can rank “high” on the Mohs scale, be non-brittle, but be vulnerable to heat and light, which may cause fading or color changes.
Where Does Sapphire Hardness Rank Compared to Other Gems?
So, how hard is sapphire? Sapphires are incredibly resistant to scratches from almost anything you'd encounter in everyday life (which is great news for September babies, who may be wearing their sapphire birthstone regularly). Plus, sapphires are also quite stable, with most maintaining their color (and sapphires do come in a variety of colors!) when exposed to elements like sunlight and heat. (But it’s still a smart idea to protect all gemstones from excessive heat or sunlight exposure!)
Here’s a quick look at where sapphire durability ranks among other popular gemstones on the Mohs hardness scale:
- Diamonds: 10 (the hardest)
- Sapphires and Rubies (both corundum): 9
- Emeralds: around 7.5–8
- Amethyst, Garnet, Tourmaline, Topaz: 7–8
- Opals, Pearls: 5–6.5
Yes, sapphires are tough. But they are not indestructible and can chip or break if they are hit hard enough. The durability of any given gemstone depends on the quality of the cut, its setting and how the stone has been cared for up to the point of impact. A sapphire that has been poorly set or one with sharp corners is more vulnerable to damage than, say, one with a bezel or halo setting.
How to Care for Your Sapphire Jewelry
Okay, sapphires are tough; you get it! But even the toughest jewelry pieces deserve to be properly cared for to ensure it keeps shining for years and years. Here are a few sapphire jewelry care tips to show that a little love can go a long way:
Put them in their place
Store your sapphires in a soft, fabric-lined jewelry box or separate pouch to prevent scratching. While they’re scratch-resistant, they’re still no match for a diamond, and they can scratch softer stones, too. Keep them separate from other jewelry just to be safe.
Clean gently, regularly
Sapphires can handle a bit of cleaning, but don’t go wild with it. Use warm water, a few drops of mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush. Gently scrub away any dirt or residue buildup, especially around settings or areas with frequent contact with your body and its oils. Rinse well and pat dry with a soft cloth. For deeper cleans, a professional jeweler can use ultrasonic or steam cleaning, but only if your sapphire doesn’t have internal fractures or treatments that could be affected by heat or vibration.
Keep them away from...
Keep your sapphire jewelry away from harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia or acetone that can cause damage over time. Despite sapphires' general stability, avoiding extreme temperature changes, such as from a hot tub to cold water, is best. And, as with most jewelry, you may want to remove your sapphire jewelry before engaging in any high-impact activities such as working out, hiking, sports, etc.
Insuring Your Sapphire Jewelry
Sapphires are exceptionally durable and resilient, yes. But there are some things that the durability of corundum can’t protect a gemstone from—like loss, theft or, yes, even damage. That’s why it’s a smart idea to insure your valuable sapphire jewelry. Consider a personal jewelry insurance policy from Jewelers Mutual. There are several benefits to insuring your jewelry with a personal jewelry insurance policy and not under a homeowners insurance policy. Check your rate for a personal jewelry insurance policy using the button below.