Blessed with beauty and brilliance, the sapphire is simply a must-have! But good looks aren’t the only thing that makes it a valuable jewel, it is tough too.
So join us today as we talk a little more about the sapphire and discuss its durability in detail.
What is a sapphire?
A precious-coloured jewel, this September birthstone is one of the most desired gems available in the market today. It can be found in almost every colour of the rainbow, right from vibrant yellow and stunning pink to even blazing orange.
As of today, the blue sapphire is the most sought-after version and is commonly associated with romance and royalty. This has resulted in its ever-increasing popularity, especially for engagement rings and wedding jewellery.
Gemstone durability on the Mohs scale
To better understand the toughness of a particular jewel, Friedrich Mohs devised a tool known as the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Based on their scratch resistance, each gem was given a rating, ranging from 1 (softest or most malleable) to 10 (toughest).
This tool is still widely used today to gauge the durability of a gem.
Is the sapphire durable?
Yes, it is!
The sapphire belongs to the corundum family – one of the strongest minerals found on earth. As a result, it has exceptional durability with a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale. In addition to this, the sapphire does not have the gemstone cleavage property, which means that it is less likely to break during a hard impact.
Sapphire’s durability, along with its impressive hue together combine to form an incredible stone that can be flaunted on every occasion.
Care tips for the sapphire
While the sapphire itself is quite tough, it can still end up looking dull if not handled with care. The tips mentioned below will prevent this and ensure that your stone continues to look brilliant for years to come…
1. Store it the right way
Store your jewel in a soft cloth pouch or a velvet-lined case away from other jewels. This will prevent it from scratching other accessories. Storing it in a cool, dark place will stop your gemstone from losing its colour due to overexposure to light and heat.
2. Know when to remove it
It is best to remove your sapphire jewellery when exercising and cooking to avoid damage caused by accidental blows and extremely hot surfaces. Additionally, the chlorine present in swimming pools could ruin this gem’s polish and finish, so remember to keep it aside before going for a dip.
3. Avoid chemicals
Keep this jewel away from harsh chemicals, such as alkaline solutions, hydrofluoric acid, and ammonium fluoride that are present in cleaners, perfumes, cosmetics, hand sanitizers, etc.
4. Take it to a professional
To keep this gem in the best condition possible, get it cleaned by a professional at least once a year. They will also fix any superficial damage that it may have endured and also tighten its settings if required.
Beautiful and luxurious, the sapphire has definitely made its mark in the fine jewellery industry. And its remarkable durability is yet another feather in its cap.
Also read: Is Ruby a Durable Gemstone?
