Photo: Dids

What is the weakest gem?

The softest stones include talc (1), gypsum (2), calcite (3) and fluorite (4). The line between harder and softer gems is generally thought to be a Mohs rating of 7, where gems with a hardness of 7 or more are suitable for rings, while those below 7 are not.

ajsgem.com - Gemstone Durability and Hardness - AJS Gems

What does the H stand for in Jesus?

The most likely suggestion is that it comes from a monogram made of the first three letters of the Greek name for Jesus. In Greek, “Jesus” is...

Last updated May 21, 2020

What brings abundance?

Begin with gratitude. Produce more ideas than you need for yourself so you can share and give your ideas away. That is called fruitfulness and...

Last updated Oct 5, 2020

Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »

Promotion

The durability of a gemstone is an important consideration when creating jewelry, especially rings. Some rings, such as wedding rings, are worn daily, and are subject to knocks and blows that can damage a gemstone. So which gems are strong enough to be set in a ring that will be worn everyday? And which gems are strong enough for rings that are worn on a more occasional basis? Are there gems which simply shouldn't be set in rings at all?

Diamond

Hardnesss 10

Sapphire

Hardness 9

Topaz

Hardness 8

Garnet

Hardness 7-7.5 Tourmaline

Hardness 7-7.5 Amethyst

Hardness 7

One important measure of gemstone durability is hardness. In gemology, gem hardness is measured on a scale known as the Mohs scale, which assigns minerals a value between 1 (softest) and 10 (hardest). This scale was invented by a German mineralogist, Frederick Mohs, in 1822. It defines hardness in terms of scratch resistance, where a harder mineral will scratch a softer one, but not vice versa. Diamond is graded the hardest (10), followed by ruby and sapphire (9), topaz, emerald and spinel (8), and garnet, tourmaline and quartz (7). The softest stones include talc (1), gypsum (2), calcite (3) and fluorite (4). The line between harder and softer gems is generally thought to be a Mohs rating of 7, where gems with a hardness of 7 or more are suitable for rings, while those below 7 are not. But this rule of thumb, while useful, is a bit too simplistic to use alone. For a ring like a wedding or engagement ring, intended for everyday wear over a period of years, a hardness rating of 10 to 8 is recommended. But other considerations also come into play. Emerald, for example, is typically heavily included with many tiny interior fractures. So despite its hardness rating of 8, it is not really robust enough for a daily wear ring. Topaz is sometimes thought to be disqualified for daily wear as well, because it has perfect cleavage. But diamond also has perfect cleavage and has proved very durable indeed. The risk with perfect cleavage mainly occurs during the cutting process; once such a gem has been cut and set it is unlikely to break. The main strike against topaz is that the blue topaz is common and heavily treated. But the imperial topaz is a rare and fine gemstone that is suitable for a special ring that can be worn every day. Gems with a hardness of 7 or greater -- particularly quartz, garnet, beryl, zircon and tourmaline -- are quite suitable for rings which are worn more occasionally, or for daily wear rings with protective settings such as a bezel. Gems with a hardness less than 7 can be set in rings, but wear should ideally be restricted to special occasions, and worn with care. Nonethless, some of the softer gems, such as tanzanite and opal, are commonly set in rings.

Jadeite Jade

It is worth mentioning that there are a few gems with a hardness less than 7 which are extremely durable. The special cases are nephrite and jadeite, the two varieties of jade. While nephrite has a hardness of 6 to 6.5, and jadeite a hardness of 6.5 to 7, both are very tough materials due to their internal structures which resist fracturing. Nephrite, in particular, is very strong due to its fibrous crystals which interlock in a matted texture. Jade will often outlast harder gems, though an occasional repolishing may be needed to keep it looking new over the years.

See our entire collection of Fine Gemstones

Why can't I remember my childhood?

The good news is that it's completely normal not to remember much of your early years. It's known as infantile amnesia. This means that even though...

Last updated Nov 13, 2018

Does true love need money?

It's normal to want to be loved but you can't get the love that you're seeking simply by making a bunch of money. Financial success is admirable,...

Last updated Jul 12, 2020

Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »

Promotion

Is a 1990 dime worth anything?

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of December 2022, a Roosevelt Dime from 1990 in circulated condition is worth between $0.15 and $0.35. However, on the open market 1990 D Dimes in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $600.

ngccoin.com - Roosevelt Dimes 1990 D 10C MS - Coin Explorer - NGC

Disclaimer: The prices listed in the various NGC Price and Value Guides are compiled from a number of independent, third party sources in the numismatic community which NGC believes to be reliable. Prices provided are averages, not specific prices for individual coins. Further, because these prices are only updated from time to time, they do not reflect short term pricing trends, which are quite common and are often quite dramatic, given the volatile nature of the collectible coin marketplace. This is especially true for rare coins, where there are fewer sales and greater variations in sale prices. For all of these reasons, the prices in these guides are designed to serve merely as one of many measures and factors that coin buyers and sellers can use in determining coin values. These prices are not intended, and should not be relied upon, to replace the due diligence and — when appropriate — expert consultation that coin buyers and sellers should undertake when entering into a coin transaction. As such, NGC disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to the information contained in the NGC Guides. By using the NGC Guides, the user agrees that neither NGC nor any of its affiliates, shareholders, officers, employees or agents shall have any liability for any loss or damage of any kind, including without limitation any loss arising from reliance on the information contained in the Guides.

Is it better to write or say affirmations?

With affirmations, consistency is key. If you struggle to speak your affirmations out loud and your practice suffers because of this, just write...

Last updated Oct 19, 2022

Did manna taste like honey?

The taste was described as like flour with honey, or bread with oil with a taste resembling the spice we know as coriander. Manna sustained people...

Last updated Apr 26, 2020

Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »

Promotion

Why is the universe testing me?

The Universe may test you throughout your life in order to help you grow as a person or heal a limiting belief. These tests may show up in the form...

Last updated Mar 20, 2022

Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »

Promotion

What is the smell in Catholic church?

Incense is a sacramental used to venerate, bless, and sanctify. Its smoke conveys a sense of mystery and awe. It is a reminder of the sweet-...

Last updated Feb 23, 2022