What Are The Most Durable Gemstones?

Imagine wearing a beautiful piece of jewelry, something that sparkles and shines, catching the light with every movement. Now, imagine that piece staying just as exquisite even after years of wear. If you’ve ever wondered which gemstones can withstand the test of time, you’re in luck. In this article, we’ll explore the world of durable gemstones, discussing the top contenders that can withstand the challenges of daily life while still maintaining their brilliance and allure. So sit back and prepare to discover the gems that truly stand the test of time.

Diamond

Physical Hardness

Diamonds are renowned for their exceptional physical hardness. In fact, they are the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth. This remarkable hardness is due to the strong covalent bonds between carbon atoms in the diamond’s crystal structure. As a result, diamonds are resistant to scratches and can withstand everyday wear and tear without losing their luster. Whether you accidentally brush your diamond jewelry against a rough surface or wear it daily for years, its hardness ensures that it remains virtually unscathed. This property makes diamonds an excellent choice for engagement rings and other jewelry that is meant to be worn every day.

Chemical Stability

In addition to their physical hardness, diamonds also exhibit incredible chemical stability. They are composed entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure, and this unique composition gives diamonds their exceptional resistance to chemical reactions. Diamonds are highly resistant to acids, alkalis, and other corrosive substances, making them an ideal choice for jewelry that may come into contact with various chemicals. Whether you accidentally spill some cleaning solution or expose your diamond to acidic substances, you can be confident that its chemical stability will keep it safe and sparkling.

Ruby

Corundum Composition

Rubies belong to the corundum family, characterized by their vibrant red coloration. Corundum is a crystalline form of aluminum oxide, and while it is a relatively hard gemstone, it is not as durable as diamond. Rubies are composed of corundum crystals that contain traces of chromium, which give them their rich red hue. The combination of corundum’s hardness and the presence of chromium makes rubies moderately resistant to scratches.

Heat Resistance

One of the notable properties of rubies is their excellent heat resistance. Rubies can withstand high temperatures without experiencing significant damage or discoloration. This unique quality makes rubies particularly suitable for jewelry that may be exposed to heat, such as rings or pendants. Whether you accidentally expose your ruby jewelry to heat during cooking or when using hot styling tools, rest assured that its heat resistance will help maintain its beauty and durability.

Sapphire

Corundum Composition

Similar to rubies, sapphires are also part of the corundum family. While they are commonly associated with the color blue, sapphires actually come in a wide range of hues, including pink, yellow, green, and even colorless. The color variations in sapphires are due to the presence of different trace elements within the corundum crystals. Like rubies, sapphires possess the same hardness as corundum, making them quite durable.

Scratch Resistance

Sapphires share corundum’s exceptional scratch resistance. This means that sapphires can withstand the rigors of daily wear without acquiring visible scratches. Whether you wear your sapphire jewelry on a regular basis or accidentally bump it against hard surfaces, its scratch resistance will ensure that it stays looking pristine for years to come. This durability, combined with the variety of captivating colors available in sapphires, makes them a popular choice for both casual and formal jewelry.

Emerald

Beryl Composition

Emeralds are a variety of the mineral beryl and are prized for their rich green color. Beryl is a silicate mineral composed of beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate. Unlike diamonds, emeralds are not renowned for their hardness but possess other desirable qualities. Emeralds are much softer than diamonds and are more prone to scratches, making them require extra care.

Brittleness

One factor to consider when it comes to emeralds is their brittleness. Due to their crystal structure and composition, emeralds are relatively more brittle compared to diamonds or corundum gemstones. This means that emeralds are more likely to chip or break if subjected to significant impact or extreme pressure. It is essential to handle emeralds with care and avoid exposing them to situations where they may encounter rough treatment or abrupt impacts. With proper handling and cautious wear, emeralds can maintain their beauty and durability for a lifetime.

Tanzanite

Zoisite Composition

Tanzanite is a breathtaking gemstone that belongs to the mineral group called zoisite. It is renowned for its striking blue to violet color, often displaying pleochroism – the ability to exhibit different colors when viewed from different angles. Tanzanite’s unique color is produced due to the presence of vanadium and other trace elements within the zoisite crystals.

Clarity Enhancement

While tanzanite possesses appealing qualities, such as its color and radiance, it is worth noting that most tanzanite gemstones undergo clarity enhancements. These enhancements involve various treatments to improve the gemstone’s transparency and overall appearance. Common methods include heat treatment to reduce natural inclusions, thus enhancing the stone’s clarity. Although these enhancements do not significantly impact the durability of tanzanite, it is important to be aware of them as part of the gemstone’s characterization.

Aquamarine

Beryl Composition

Aquamarine is a member of the mineral group beryl, like emeralds. However, unlike emeralds, aquamarines are admired for their delicate blue to greenish-blue hues. Beryl derives its color from trace amounts of iron within its crystal structure.

Hardness

Similar to emeralds, aquamarines are relatively softer compared to diamonds or corundum gemstones. While they possess a satisfactory level of hardness for everyday wear, it is essential to handle them with care to prevent scratches or other forms of damage. Despite being a bit less hard compared to some other gemstones, aquamarine’s beauty and elegance make it a popular choice for various types of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, and earrings.

Topaz

Orthorhombic Structure

Topaz is a mineral with an orthorhombic crystal structure, which contributes to its characteristic prismatic shape. It occurs in a wide range of colors, including yellow, blue, pink, and colorless. Blue topaz is often produced by a heat treatment process that enhances its color.

Cleavage

One aspect to consider with topaz is its distinct cleavage. Cleavage refers to a gemstone’s tendency to break along certain planes or directions. While topaz has good toughness, its cleavage can make it more prone to fracturing or chipping under excessive force or impact. Therefore, it is necessary to handle topaz jewelry with care to avoid any accidental damage. Despite its cleavage, topaz remains a popular gemstone choice due to its stunning colors and affordability.

Garnet

Variety of Species

Garnets encompass a diverse group of gemstones with different mineral compositions. The most common varieties include almandine, pyrope, spessartine, and grossular. These different species contribute to the wide range of colors exhibited by garnets, including red, orange, yellow, green, and even color-changing varieties.

Durability

Garnets are generally quite durable gemstones, making them suitable for various types of jewelry. They possess a satisfactory level of hardness that enables them to withstand normal wear and tear without significant damage. However, it is essential to note that some varieties of garnets, such as almandine, may have a propensity for abrasion due to their crystal structure. Regular cleaning and proper storage can help maintain the durability and beauty of garnet jewelry for many years.

Spinel

Magnesium Aluminium Oxide

Spinel is a mineral composed of magnesium aluminum oxide. It occurs in a range of colors, including red, pink, blue, purple, and even black. Spinel gemstones were at times mistaken for other precious gemstones due to their captivating hues and outstanding brilliance.

Toughness

Spinel is known for its excellent toughness, which refers to its ability to resist breaking or chipping. While it may not be as hard as diamonds, spinel gemstones possess remarkable durability and can withstand daily wear without losing their luster. This toughness makes spinel a suitable choice for various types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, and pendants. Whether you opt for a vibrant red spinel or an elegant blue spinel, you can rely on its toughness to bring you joy for years to come.

Jadeite

Jade Composition

Jadeite is a type of jade that is highly valued for its vibrant green color. It is an alumino-silicate mineral composed mainly of sodium and aluminum. Jadeite is coveted for its beauty and cultural significance, particularly in East Asian cultures.

Resistance to Breakage

One of the exceptional properties of jadeite is its resistance to breakage. It has exceptional toughness and can withstand considerable impact or pressure without fracturing. This durability makes jadeite an ideal gemstone for jewelry that may be subjected to rough handling or accidental impacts. Jadeite, often carved into exquisite pieces, brings together both beauty and durability, making it a treasured gemstone in many collections.

In conclusion, when it comes to durability, different gemstones offer various characteristics that suit different preferences and uses. While diamonds remain the epitome of hardness and chemical stability, other gemstones like rubies, sapphires, and spinel also exhibit remarkable durability. Understanding the unique properties and compositions of different gemstones allows you to make informed choices when selecting jewelry that not only reflects your personal style but also withstands the test of time. Remember to provide proper care and maintenance to your gemstone jewelry to ensure their longevity and continued brilliance.