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You are here: Home / Gemstone Legends and Facts / Ever Heard of the Mohs Scale?

Ever Heard of the Mohs Scale?

January 2, 2023 By Alene Geed Leave a Comment

Mohs Hardness Scale

If you are in the jewelry business then you know how important this scale is. we use this tool to identify hardness of minerals.

First a little history:

Carl Friedrich Christian Mohs was a German geologist AND mineralogist. In 1822 he created the Mohs scale. He determined that you could tell which minerals were harder based upon the scratch test. Using several harder materials to perform the tests he was able to rank minerals according to their hardness. As a result this 200 year old scale is used industry wide today.

Not only are minerals numbered one to ten, but also they are not evenly spaced. For example quartz, which is a SEVEN is actually 100 times harder than talc. A diamond which is a TEN is actually 1500 times harder than talc.

Keep in mind that these 10 minerals were chosen for the scale. As new minerals are mined and discovered they use this scale to determine the hardness.

What scratch tools are used?

We use a fingernail for the basic scratch. If it leaves a mark on the mineral then this mineral (talc) is considered a ONE on the scale. Moving up the scale we use a copper penny, a knife, steel nail and a drill bit. In the case of quartz (which we use widely in jewelry design) it can only be scratched with a steel nail. This makes quartz a SEVEN on the hardness scale. SEVEN is a durable hardness and can be used in rings or cuffs as well as earrings and pendants. The hardest mineral (number TEN on the scale) is diamond! Even a drill bit has trouble scratching the surface. Look at the chart above to get the full details.

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Alene Geed

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Arizona jewelry designer. I work with copper, silver, gold and steel. Plus LOTS of gemstones! I Love to Hammer, play with Fire 😊🔨 & read📚

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What People are Saying

I was introduced to Alene’s Adornments through a customer from work (grocery industry). I loved the unique pieces that Alene creates. I purchased a ring and received it gift wrapped and very quickly. The ring is one of my favorites and I receive nice comments when I wear it.

Lynn

After I purchased my first piece of jewelry from Alene…I was hooked. Her craftsmanship, detail and creativity is above and beyond. I will always look to her for gift ideas, and of course, treasures for myself too. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.

Linda Mangun

Alene has a gift for creating the perfect, unique piece of jewelry. Her ability to combine copper and sterling creates pieces of jewelry that are second to none. Alene then adds pops of color to create a piece that will call your name. Always eagerly await her new designs to see what new amazing piece will call my name.

Robin Meador
I am so thrilled to own several pieces of this Artisans’ creations!
Designs are wonderful and jewelry is well made.
Naomi Flink

Alene’s creations are not only beautiful, but truly unique. A rare find and appreciated for their one of a kind look and feel. Highly recommend!

Sarah Mckinney

I like the uniqueness of Alene’s jewelry and the quality of her craftsmanship! Made with love!

Mary Slusser

I have bought several sets of earrings designed and made by Alene over the past few years. I am happy with the design and quality of all. Get many compliments when I wear them. also, once ordered the merchandise arrives on time.  Would highly recommend purchasing one of her designs.  Rating “5”.

Joan Alexander

I still have the first pair of earrings I bought from Alene and wear them frequently.  I could  almost open my own store with all the cuffs, earrings, and necklaces I own of Alene’s.  I admire and respect her talent.  It has been  wonderful to watch her jewelry progress over almost 20 years.  What a pleasure  to wear her talent.  Always compliments!!

Peg Doerfler

I really enjoy wearing my ‘Alene’s Adornments’ spiral earrings. They’re exactly what I want and like in an earring: authentic materials, light weight and beautiful design. I look forward to adding the next item to my collection of Alene’s creations. I highly recommend shopping here if you want beautiful jewelry, along with great service!

Reba Linker

Alene is extremely talented her pieces are not only amazing they are well made at a reasonable price. She also will create custom pieces for you. I have several of her original and custom made pieces and love them all💞 You will not be disappointed!

Mary Jo Edel

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