Moissanite and the Mohs Hardness Scale
Where moissanite sits on the hardness scale — and what that means for you.
When jewelers talk about how tough a stone is, they often cite the Mohs scale. Knowing where moissanite lands helps you understand why it wears so well. Here is the simple version.
What the Mohs scale is
The Mohs scale ranks minerals from 1 (softest, like talc) to 10 (hardest, diamond) by scratch resistance. The higher the number, the harder the material and the better it resists scratches.
Where moissanite sits
| Stone | Approx. Mohs |
|---|---|
| Diamond | 10 |
| Moissanite | ~9.25 |
| Sapphire / Ruby | 9 |
| Topaz | 8 |
Values are approximate and rounded.
What that means in real life
At around 9.25, moissanite is one of the hardest gemstones available — second only to diamond. In practice, it strongly resists everyday scratches, making it superb for rings you wear daily. See Is Moissanite Durable Enough for Daily Wear?
Hardness vs toughness
Hardness means scratch resistance; sensible care still avoids hard knocks. But moissanite's high ranking is a big reason it suits engagement rings and bands so well — see Is Moissanite Good for Wedding Bands?
FAQs
How hard is moissanite on the Mohs scale?
About 9.25 — among the hardest gemstones, second only to diamond at 10.
Does high hardness mean it can't be damaged?
It means excellent scratch resistance; sensible care still avoids sharp knocks, but moissanite handles daily wear beautifully.
Tough Enough for Every Day
Explore handcrafted moissanite wedding bands built to last.
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