When shopping for exquisite ruby jewellery, knowing about the durability of the gemstone is a very important factor. This will help you decide how and when to wear it, and most importantly, how to care for it. In this article, we will go beyond the Mohs scale to decode ruby’s durability and offer some tips on how to care for and maintain them.
So, let’s get started…
Understanding the Mohs Scale of Hardness
If you are interested in purchasing fine jewellery, then you most likely have heard about the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Developed by Friedrich Mohs in 1822, this tool grades gemstones from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). The scale was created using a technique for gauging one mineral’s ability to visibly scratch another.
So, Is Ruby a Durable Gemstone?
Ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum and has a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale. This indicates that it is highly durable, and in terms of hardness, the ruby comes second only to diamonds that score a perfect 10. So essentially, ruby is perfect everyday wear jewellery, thanks to its ability to resist scratches and abrasions.
How to Care For Your Ruby Jewellery?
It is important to understand that irrespective of how hard a gem is, it still needs to be treated with love and care. Over a period of time, most jewels including the ruby, may start looking dull because dirt and grime might get accumulated on the surface and hamper its brilliance.
To ensure the longevity of your precious ruby pendant necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets, here are some easy tips that you can keep in mind…
- It is advisable to remove your ruby jewellery before engaging in household tasks like gardening or cooking.
- Make it a point to keep your rubies away from perfumes, greasy lotions, and harsh chemicals.
- If you love wearing your ruby jewellery daily, then cheque them periodically to ensure that there are no loose settings. Ruby rings are especially susceptible to damage when you are performing any kind of manual work.
- Storing them separately avoids cuts from harder stones, like the diamond. Moreover, doing so also prevents your ruby jewellery from scratching other delicate stones.
- For maximum protection, place your ruby jewellery in a velvet or silk pouch, or store it in a jewellery box with individual compartments.
- For an easy DIY process, consider using a mild soap water solution. Dip your ruby jewellery in this and use a soft cloth to scrub away the dirt that may have accumulated on the surface. Once done, rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. For adamant stains, you might need to visit a professional.
- If you have a heat-treated, untreated or lattice diffusion treated ruby, then steam or ultrasonic cleaners are safe for use. However, if your gem has fracture/cavity filling, then make it a point to only use a damp cloth for cleaning.
Parting Note
With such an interesting gemstone profile, it is no surprise that the ruby exemplifies brilliance. Not only is it blessed with eye-catching colour, but also excellent hardness, which makes it a worthwhile possession. So go ahead and make the most of this durable, precious gem.
Also Read: Which Gemstones Are the Most Durable?
