GemologyGemstones

What is Use Of Mohs Scale in Gemology?

Gemstone hardness is the measure of sensing the durability of a mineral or a gemstone when it rubs or grind against a rough mineral. Everybody is conscious about the fact that few gemstones are harder whereas, few are softer or fragile than others.

Most of the time people are also aware of the technical term Mohs scale. But only a few of them actually know the meaning and long intriguing history behind the invention of this useful technique.

The following article is basically about  the intent of clarifying the doubts estimation of people about this tool.

The Mohs scale was explore or invented in the year 1812 by a famous German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs to measure the scratch resistance of all types of minerals.

Thus, in order to test whether this scale works perfectly or not; initially, he had ten minerals on which he performed this test. Since it was an ordinal scale, so the durability of the two minerals was basically comparing to find out that which one is more hard or rigid.

The Mohs scale is a relative scale which purpose is to identify the hardness of mineral on the comparison basis. Therefore, the scale does not competent enough to provide absolute or complete results.

Hardness on Mohs Scale :

On the grounds of Mohs scale, Diamond is supreme mineral which is 10 Mohs on the scale. The subsequent minerals are corundum, sapphire or ruby that are 9 Mohs on the hardness scale. Topaz (8), quartz(7), orthoclase(6), fluorite(5), apatite(4), coral(3).

The durability of a gemstone is not only evaluates by moh scale. Whereas, there are other significant features which measures like hardness or durability of a stone. Consequently, while judging the durability of a gemstone, these critical factors like cleavage and inclusions need to be judged.

Another feature of hardness is stability means the ability of a mineral to change in the exposure of sunlight. It is an important parameter which needs to be analyzed while inspecting the hardness of the stone.

For example, there are some stones like aquamarine which need to be guarded against acid likewise stone like kunzite, the topaz gemstone color will be faded away if it exposed to the sunlight.

Thus, on concluding note, we can confidently say that Mohs scale not only measures the hardness of all minerals. But, also quantifies other important characteristics such as stability and cleavage of a stone.

 

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