Mohs scale

The Mohs scale measures the hardness of minerals and materials used in jewelry, based on their ability to scratch another material.

Part of speech: noun
Definition: The Mohs scale is an ordinal scale used in the jewelry industry and mineralogy to classify the hardness of gemstones, minerals, and other materials on a scale from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond), with each value designating the ability of a harder material to scratch a softer material. It serves as a crucial tool for jewelers and gemologists in identifying minerals and determining the wearability and durability of gemstone jewelry. For example, a gemstone with a Mohs hardness of 8 can scratch those materials rated below 8 but can be scratched by a diamond, which ranks at the top of the scale. Understanding the Mohs scale helps consumers make informed choices about the care and suitability of gemstones for various types of jewelry, particularly in items that are worn daily and exposed to potential scratching and damage.