Alexandrite is popular for its unique color changes. Its exceptional “emerald by day, ruby at night” color characteristic makes it an excellent gemstone for unique and high-quality jewelry. With a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, this precious stone of the chrysoberyl family is reasonably hard, making it a perfect option for most jewelry.
How Tough Is Alexandrite?
The hardness of any jewel is determined by a variety of factors. Gems with a hardness of more than 7 on the Mohs scale are considered strong. Alexandrite fits perfectly in this category, competing with gemstones such as diamond and sapphire. Some of the factors that make alexandrite tough enough for any jewelry include:
Stability
Alexandrite has no cleavage and can thus withstand ordinary chemicals as well as heat and light. This is most important during polishing as it makes the gem not crack or even scratch. This extraordinary gemstone is also considered one of the best and hardest gemstones in the market.
Ideally, a gem with hardness of less than 7 on the Mohs scale is considered fragile and can break easily. This determines its value and pricing.
Resistant To Wear And Tear
If you are looking for jewelry that resists normal wear and tear, alexandrite is a perfect option. Its hardness makes it resistant to chemicals, and is thus easy to care for. Alexandrite doesn’t scratch easily, making it an excellent option for your daily wear jewelry. To keep your alexandrite jewels looking their best, you need to clean them using warm soapy water. You may use steam cleaners for a more lustrous look.
The Lowdown
While alexandrite is a strong and tough gem, this doesn’t make it resistant to fractures. As such, trying to test its toughness can be destructive. You may end up cracking it and ultimately ruin its value. However, if your alexandrite jewelry accidentally breaks, you may have to consult a jewel expert at Nazar’s & co. Jewelers to help you out.
Our experienced jewel professionals have the skills and relevant knowledge of various gemstones and will help you make an informed decision. Contact us today to book an appointment.