Gemstone Durability Factors
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Legend |
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AE = Abrades easily |
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Boil = Boiling |
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CC = Commercial cleaners |
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MSS = Mild soapy solution |
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SE = Scratches easily |
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Steam = Steaming |
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US = Ultrasonic |
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GEMSTONE |
HARDNESS |
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TOUGHNESS |
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STABILITY |
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STEAM |
BOIL |
US |
CC |
MSS |
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Diamond |
10 |
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Good |
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Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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Corundum |
9 |
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Excellent |
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Yes |
With care |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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Chrysoberyl |
8.5 |
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Excellent |
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Yes |
With care |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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Spinel |
8 |
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Good |
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Yes |
With care |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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Topaz |
8 |
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Poor |
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No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
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Some colors may alter in direct sunlight. |
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Emerald |
7.5-8 |
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Poor |
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No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
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If oiled, oil can be removed by a heated solution. |
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Aquamarine |
7.5-8 |
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Good-Fair |
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No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
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Tourmaline |
7-7.5 |
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Good-Fair |
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No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
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Zircon |
7-7.5 |
AE |
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Fair-Poor |
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No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
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Garnet |
6.5-7.5 |
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Good-Fair |
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No |
No |
With care |
Yes |
Yes |
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Can fracture with sudden temperature changes. |
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Quartz |
7 |
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Good |
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No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
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Peridot |
6.5-7 |
AE |
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Good-Fair |
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No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
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Avoid ammonia and other harsh household cleaners that contain acid that may etch the surface. |
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Chalcedony |
6.5-7 |
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Good |
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Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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Tanzanite, |
6.5-7 |
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Poor |
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No |
No |
No |
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Yes |
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Very heat sensitive. |
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Jadeite |
6.5-7 |
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Excellent |
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No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
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Always check for dye first. |
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Nephrite |
6.5-7 |
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Exceptional |
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Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
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Kunzite, |
6-7 |
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Very-Poor |
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No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
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Can fade in direct sunlight and is very heat sensitive. |
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Feldspars |
6-6.5 |
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Poor |
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No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
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Very heat sensitive. |
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Opal |
5.5-6.5 |
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Fair-Very Poor |
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No |
No |
No |
No |
With care |
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Avoid sudden temperature changes. Porous material absorbs grease, oil, dyes. Check for treatment. Avoid acids. |
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Hemitite |
5.5-6.5 |
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Good-Fair |
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No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
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Heat sensitive. Subject to acid etching. |
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Turquoise |
5-6 |
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Good-Poor |
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No |
No |
No |
No |
With care |
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Porous material rapidly absorbs grease, oil, dyes, acids, etc. Color may be affected by heat. |
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Lapiz Lazuli |
5-6 |
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Fair-Poor |
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No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
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Malachite |
3.5-4 |
SE |
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Poor |
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No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
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Avoid heat and acids. |
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Jet |
3-4 |
SE |
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Good-Poor |
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No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
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Avoid heat and acids. |
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Coral |
3-4 |
SE |
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Good-Poor |
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No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
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I coral is dyed, avoid acetone. This will remove dye. Avoid heat and acids. |
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Shell Cameo |
3.5 |
SE |
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Poor |
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No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
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Avoid heat, pressure and acids. |
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Natural & |
2.5-4 |
SE |
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Usually good |
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No |
No |
No |
No |
With care |
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Body acids and beauty products can damage nacre. Avoid heat and pressure. Clean with soft cloth, mild soap solutions, rinse and dry. |
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Ivory |
2.5- |
SE |
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Fair |
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No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
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Heat and light may change color. Porous - avoid acids and beauty products. |
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Tortoise Shell |
2.5 |
SE |
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Fair |
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No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
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Avoid heat and dampness. |
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Amber |
2-2.5 |
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Poor |
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No |
No |
No |
No |
With care |
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Avoid heat and acids. |
