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The treasures inside the earth, which we call gemstones, have been known for centuries. They have astrological value, and their beautiful color and shine make them excellent pieces of jewelry. However, the beauty of gemstones is only limited to their appearance or color. No, it's beyond that. Whatever purpose finds you fit, jewelry or astrology, certain factors are to be considered. Hardness, durability, and toughness are some of the gemstone properties that help you choose a suitable stone. Let's know more about each of these:
It refers to the ability of a gem to resist scratches and abrasions. In scientific terms, hardness depends upon the bonds that hold the atoms together. In a crystal structure, if the bonds are close to each other, they cannot be easily broken, and hence, the gem is harder. Gemstones are formed of minerals, and the mineral hardness refers to its ability to resist scratching. It is generally measured on a Mohs scale that ranges from 1 to 10. Gems that rank 1-3 are highly soft, whereas those ranked 9 and 10 are the hardest of all. For instance, diamonds are the hardest gemstones known, and they rank 10 on this scale.
The strong composition of the crystal, along with tight atomic layers, makes diamonds scratch-resistant; hence, they are the perfect stones for jewelry purposes. Corundum is a relatively hard mineral. They include precious gems like rubies and sapphires. Ranking 9 on the hardness scale, their atomic structure displays a strong and dense association of oxygen and aluminum bonds. However, if we say rubies are harder than diamonds, the answer is no. It is four times softer than diamonds.
It plays a vital role in maintaining the longevity of precious stones like emeralds, sapphires, rubies, and diamonds. Thus, they are considered to be the first preference for engagement and wedding rings. You can wear them every day as they will withstand daily wear and tear. This gemstone property is also an essential factor for astrological stones. Since it is believed that maximum astrological benefits are drawn if the suggested Ratnas are worn every day, hardness plays a vital role. Moreover, caring for these gems requires little effort compared to soft gems. They can be set in any setting without the risk of getting damaged.
It is the measure of a stone’s ability to resist cracking, chipping, and breakage. There is a difference between gemstone hardness and toughness. Hardness relates to the property to withstand scratches, whereas toughness is the property of the stone that tolerates physical pressure. Gemstone toughness is measured as exceptional, excellent, good, fair, poor, or brittle. Gem cleavage is another factor that comes into play here. It refers to the ability of the stone to break along specific planes. These planes are within the crystal structure that breaks if the atomic bonds are weaker. It is an essential factor to consider during the cutting process. For instance, natural emeralds are brittle, and lapidaries need to be very cautious when cutting them. Tough gems can be harder, but hard gems do not necessarily be tough. For instance, diamonds are harder, but they are not tough. This is because they have cleavage, and they can break easily. Natural ruby stone has no cleavage and is tough but is less hard than diamonds.
Knowing the toughness of a stone is essential as it helps in analyzing how it can be fitted in a particular setting. Panna Ratna is brittle due to the inclusions which are natural to them. These gems break or chip when crafted in a metal setting. Thus, such settings are chosen, which allows them to be protected and maintain the beauty of the overall jewelry. For example, the bezel setting is the best setting for Panna. It protects the corners of the stone that are more likely to chip.
When a gemstone is worn for astrological purposes, it is required that it should withstand daily wear and tear. This is to ensure that energy flow is constant and benefits the wearer to its maximum. Sapphires have good toughness, and thus, their longevity is greater. In astrology, it is believed that gemstones have a lifespan. They lose their energy after a specific time.
It is said that if you are constantly wearing blue sapphire stones, you should get a new one after five years. Gemstones like opal toughness vary from poor to fair, and thus, it is said that one should change it after two years. If you see signs of breakage or chipping, you should remove it. Wearing a cracked stone is of no use in astrology. Cracked gemstones don't allow free flow of energy, thus providing no benefit to the wearer.
It refers to the gemstone property that allows it to resist physical and chemical damage. The durability of the stone refers to how stable it is when it is exposed to chemicals, heat, or irradiation. Opal, amethyst, and citrine lose their color when exposed to extreme light conditions. This is why gemstone care is essential. Non-durable gems should be stored separately to avoid damage. The jewelry should be avoided in direct contact with chemicals on a regular basis. One should wear them during swimming, using hair sprays, and other activities. Cleaning and caring for gems are equally essential to maintain their longevity. The best way to clean gemstones at home is by using soap and lukewarm water. This will remove the dirt from the surface, preserving the beauty of the stone for long.
For engagement rings or heirloom jewelry, one should prefer durable gems as they can be cherished for a long. With trends changing, colored gems are selected for jewelry making over diamonds being the preferred choice. So, while choosing non-durable gemstones as jewelry, one should always look for minute things such as settings, quality, and more. You can always get advice from your jeweler on how these gems can be set so that they retain their beauty. For astrological purposes, gemstone durability is essential. It is believed that one should refrain from wearing a faded Ratna. In Vedic astrology, vivid-colored stones are valuable. They allow easy flow of energy and transmit the same to the wearer. Natural emeralds are said to be durable gemstones, and their color does not fade quickly. However, treated panna is not recommended in astrology as they fade with time, and thus, their enhanced color is of no value then. Therefore, in Vedic astrology, it is always suggested that people wear only natural gemstones.
To conclude, knowing gemstone hardness, toughness, and durability is essential for whatever reason you are purchasing the stone.
