Crystal Hardness Explained: Why Some Stones Need Extra Care?

Crystals differ greatly in terms of hardness. Some stones could be used on a daily basis, while some may get scratched, chipped, or even broken. Information regarding crystal hardness will help you learn how to properly store, wash, and wear your favorite stones.

The Mohs hardness scale is one of the easiest ways to assess the scratch-resistance of your stones. However, hardness is far from being the only characteristic that determines the crystal stone's strength. Learn more about crystal hardness and discover how to care for different stones safely.

What is Crystal Stone Hardness?

Crystal stone hardness is defined as the stone's ability to resist scratching. Crystal hardness does not include the resistance to cracking, breaking, or pressure.

The most widely used system is the Mohs hardness scale, developed by German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs in 1812. The scale ranks minerals from 1 to 10 according to their ability to scratch one another.

Talc ranks at 1, making it extremely soft. Diamond ranks at 10 and remains the hardest natural mineral on the scale. Between them are gypsum, calcite, fluorite, apatite, orthoclase, quartz, topaz, and corundum.

The scale is not linear. A mineral rated 8 is not simply twice as hard as one rated 4. Still, it provides a useful guide for understanding mineral hardness and crystal care.

How Does the Mohs Hardness Scale Work?

The Mohs scale applies the scratch test to determine mineral hardness. A harder mineral is capable of scratching the softer one; however, the softer mineral is unable to scratch the harder mineral.

For instance, quartz is ranked 7 on the Mohs scale. Therefore, quartz will be able to scratch all the minerals that have a lower hardness number.

This information is particularly helpful when storing several minerals at once. A hard mineral can scratch a softer one due to contact between them.

Nevertheless, the Mohs scale evaluates scratch resistance. It does not evaluate the toughness, cleavage, and other factors.

Soft Crystals That Need Extra Care

Some crystals are likely to get scratched or damaged during daily use. These are:

Selenite

Selenite is a rather fragile crystal with a hardness of 2 on the Mohs scale. It is prone to scratches caused by contact with harder stones. Some types of selenite can be reactive to water and prolonged moisture. Separate selenite from other stones and wash with a soft, dry cloth.

Calcite

The hardness of calcite is approximately 3 on the Mohs scale. It is easier to scratch than quartz or most popular jewelry stones. Do not keep calcite near harder minerals and dust it carefully without aggressive washing.

Fluorite

Fluorite is known to be a mineral with a hardness of approximately 4. This is one of the most sought-after minerals for its attractive colors. Keep fluorite away from hard minerals and rough surfaces during storage.

Also Read: Raw vs. Polished Crystals: Which One Should You Choose?

How Household Dust Can Scratch Crystals

Even the usual household dust affects softer crystals since it contains quartz particles of hardness 7 on the Mohs scale. Harder particles can scratch a softer crystal and create scratches that will accumulate over time. The correct cleaning materials and methods can preserve the surface of your crystals when cleaning them.

There are five simple things that you should do to prevent scratches:

• Use a microfiber cloth: Choose a soft and non-abrasive microfiber cloth that is effective in cleaning the crystals without creating unnecessary scratches on the surface of the crystals.

• Gentle cleaning: Try to wipe your crystals using light movements without any significant pressure on the crystal surface.

• Avoid harsh materials: Never use abrasive materials such as stiff brushes or cleaning sponges that can scratch softer crystals.

• Know your crystal hardness: Before cleaning your crystals, try to determine the hardness of the mineral so that you can clean it in an appropriate way.

• Remove dust: Always remove the dust gently by wiping it without making any unnecessary friction on the surface.

Safe Ways to Store Crystals

Storing crystals in a safe place helps protect your stones from scratches, chipping, and accidental damage. Here are five practical ways to store crystals safely:

• Separate stones: Keep your crystals away from hard stones, which could damage your stones due to their daily contact.

• Put crystals into padded boxes: You can put your delicate crystals into padded boxes in order to reduce the movement of the crystals and protect them from accidental impact.

• Do not keep crystals loose: Never store several crystals without protection because, in case of constant contact, they can scratch, chip, or get damaged.

• Store your crystal jewelry separately: Do not put all jewelry pieces together. This way, your stones will not get scratched from rubbing against other objects or pieces of jewelry.

Conclusion

Knowing the hardness of your crystal allows you to estimate how well it survives every day of its life. Using the Mohs hardness scale can be helpful, but there are other factors such as toughness, cleavage, sunlight, water, and impact that influence the durability of the stones. 

With the proper care, cleaning, and storage, you can make your delicate crystals stay intact for a longer period of time. At AuraHeal, we believe informed crystal care helps you connect with your stones more mindfully. Book a session today with our expert healers.