Hardness (scratch resistance) and toughness (resistance to chipping and breakage) determine whether a gemstone is suitable for daily center-ring settings.
1. Gemstone Hardness & Durability Rating
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness | Cleavage Risk | Daily Ring Wear Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond | 10.0 (Hardest) | Perfect octahedral (Vulnerable to hard girdle blows) | Ideal for Daily Lifetime Wear |
| Sapphire / Ruby (Corundum) | 9.0 | No true cleavage (High toughness) | Exceptional Daily Durability |
| Alexandrite / Chrysoberyl | 8.5 | Distinct cleavage (Very tough) | Excellent Daily Wear |
| Tanzanite | 6.5 – 7.0 | Perfect directional cleavage | Occasional / Cocktail Ring Wear Only |
| Opal | 5.5 – 6.5 | Contains 3–21% water (Prone to crazing) | Pendant / Special Occasion Only |