Sapphire is known for its exceptional hardness and is one of the hardest gemstones on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. It ranks 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale, making it second only to diamond in terms of hardness.
The Mohs scale is a qualitative scale that measures the relative hardness of minerals based on their ability to scratch one another. With a hardness of 9, sapphire is significantly harder than most other gemstones and common materials. It can scratch and be scratched by materials with a lower hardness, such as quartz, topaz, and most metals.
The high hardness of sapphire makes it an excellent choice for jewelry, particularly for pieces like engagement rings and everyday wear jewelry that are more susceptible to wear and tear. Its hardness ensures durability and helps to maintain its polish and brilliance over time.