The Best Gemstones for Everyday Wear
Many people don’t always reach for gemstone jewelry first. The truth is that gemstones are great for more than just beautiful jewelry – they can also be used as an everyday accessory. Wearing a gemstone on your finger will put some sparkle in your day, and it will also make you feel good. There are various jewelry options such as gemstone pendant necklaces, gemstone rings, and more!
What is the Mohs scale?
Understanding what makes gemstone suitable for daily wear, it’s worthwhile to know what the Mohs scale is. Mohs is a scale that ranks the hardness of minerals. This scale is used as a standard to measure the hardness or scratch resistance. It was invented by Friedrich Mohs, who was a German mineralogist.
The scale ranks ten common minerals with hardnesses ranging from 1 to 10. The higher the number, the more intricate or sturdier the gemstone is when subjected to a certain level of pressure.
10 being diamond and 1 being talc which is used in baby powder.
So which gemstone should you wear every day?
It’s up to you, but here are some suggestions for your daily wear.
Diamonds, rubies, and sapphires
These gemstones are extremely durable and can stand up to the hardest everyday wear. They rank at a ten on the Mohs scale, which makes them virtually indestructible. Diamonds and rubies rank a 10, while sapphires come in at nine on the hardness scale for minerals.
While you can’t wear diamonds daily (because of their value), rubies and sapphires are great options for everyday wear as they have outstanding durability.
Topaz
If you are looking for a slightly less durable gemstone than diamonds and rubies, topaz is a good option. It comes in at eight on the hardness scale, making it much more sturdy than quartz.
Lapis
While Lapis ranks a seven on the Mohs scale, it’s the least durable of the bunch. While it can handle some wear and tear, you should still take extra care with taking care of this gemstone. However, Lapis is excellent for everyday wear as its price is quite reasonable and looks beautiful.
Zircon
Zircon is nine on the Mohs scale, making it one of the most durable gemstones for everyday wear. It can take hard knocks and still looks good once you’ve worn it down. In addition, zircon is a great option for daily wear because it is affordable and doesn’t look bad after some use.
Jade
While jade isn’t that tough compared to other gemstones, its high price tag makes it an excellent choice for an everyday wear stone. In addition, its seven on the Mohs scale makes it more affordable than other minerals.
Hematite
Probably one of the more affordable gemstones, hematite ranks at a six on the hardness scale. Hematite is great as it is resistant to tarnishing and can be worn everyday to look good.
Citrine
Citrine is a type of quartz that rates at a 7 on the Mohs scale. It is affordable and suitable for everyday wear as long as you take care of it.
Moss Agate
Moss agate ranks at a 6 on the hardness scale. It’s not that fragile, and it can take some damage without showing signs of wear and tear. While it’s not an expensive gemstone, its price tag is enough to make it a great daily wear stone.
Green Tourmalines
While many people prefer to wear jade, it is not the most durable stone available. That all changes with green tourmaline. It ranks at a perfect 10 on the hardness scale and can take any form of wear and tear without getting damaged or scratched up.
Peridot
Peridot ranks at an 8 on the Mohs scale and can withstand some wear and tear. It is also known for its ability to bring good luck to its wearer. If you want to wear it every day, you’ll need to be extra careful as that may cause damage.
Amethyst
Amethyst has ranked at a 7 on the Mohs scale. It’s relatively cheap, and it can withstand some damage while still looking great. Amethyst is known to be a calming stone, which makes it great for everyday wear.
Conclusion
There are a lot of things that you need to consider before choosing a gemstone for everyday wear. The hardness of the gemstone and its availability are two factors that should be considered when looking for a daily wear stone.
