Sapphire's power lies in its exceptional hardness and durability, making it the second hardest naturally occurring gem after diamond.
Sapphire's strength comes from its position on the Mohs scale of hardness. The Mohs scale ranks minerals from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest), based on their scratch resistance.
Sapphire's Hardness:
- Mohs Hardness: 9
- Relative Hardness: Very Hard (second only to diamond)
This high ranking indicates that sapphire is incredibly resistant to scratching and abrasion. It's a property which makes it highly desirable in jewelry for everyday wear, as it can withstand the impacts of daily life better than softer gemstones.
Practical Implications of Sapphire's Hardness:
- Jewelry: Ideal for rings, bracelets, and other frequently worn jewelry pieces. It maintains its polish and resists scratches.
- Industrial Applications: Used in applications where scratch resistance and durability are critical, such as high-end watch crystals (often synthetic sapphire), scientific instruments, and even some bulletproof glass.
- Durability: Resists chipping and breaking under normal wear.
Comparison to Other Gemstones:
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Diamond | 10 |
| Sapphire | 9 |
| Ruby | 9 |
| Topaz | 8 |
| Emerald | 7.5 - 8 |
| Quartz | 7 |
As shown in the table, sapphire shares its hardness with ruby (both are corundum). This means that both are exceptionally tough and suitable for demanding applications. While diamond is harder, sapphire's relative abundance and lower cost make it a more practical choice in many situations.
In summary, sapphire is considered "powerful" due to its exceptional hardness and durability, placing it second only to diamond in scratch resistance, making it suitable for both aesthetic and practical applications.
