The Mohs hardness scale measures a mineral's resistance to scratching. Find the traditional scale here and a chart of select gems ordered by hardness.

Opal hardness is variable depending on its exact composition and formation conditions, and ranges from 5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Its toughness is very poor to fair, making opal a gem that is suitable for jewelry but requires care when wearing so as to not scratch or break the stone.

2024年9月6日 · Opal's hardness, measured on the Mohs scale, typically ranges from 5.5 to 6.5, making it comparable in hardness to glass. However, the true allure of opals doesn't just lie in their durability but also in their captivating play of colors and unique patterns.

Gemstone hardness is one of the primary factors when making this comprehensive determination of wearability. For example, gemstones such as opal (Mohs 5.5 - 6.5), moonstone (Mohs 6 - 6.5) and pearl (2.5 - 4.5), are considered to have poor wearbility and should, therefore, be worn in earrings and pendants.

Opal is an October birthstone. Grids of silica spheres 0.2 microns in size create red play-of-color flashes. Opal contains up to 20% water trapped in its silica structure. The novel “ Anne of Geierstein ” gave opal a reputation of being unlucky.

2024年7月1日 · Hardness: Opals are relatively soft gemstones, with a hardness of about 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. This means they are more susceptible to scratching and abrasion compared to harder gemstones like diamonds or sapphires.

Gemstone hardness contributes greatly to the degree to which a gem will show wear. This is often referred to as wearability or sometimes "durability." An opal with a hardness of 6 will be rapidly covered with fine scratches and lose its polish if worn everyday as a ring stone.

This Opal (Common) gemstone guide lists qualities of the Opal (Common) gem type, including stone colors, common names, meanings, gemstone hardness and more.

2024年8月4日 · Explore the hardness of opal, factors influencing its durability, and tips for caring for opal jewelry. Discover the unique beauty and applications of this captivating gemstone. Learn about opal's hardness and how to care for this delicate gemstone to …

The hardness and forms of Opal distinguish it from all minerals. Some Opals resemble certain types of Chalcedony, but the hardness difference can distinguish the two.