What To Know
- This type of fracture is less likely to cause damage to the gemstone, as it is less likely to create sharp edges.
- Tourmaline is a relatively tough gemstone, which means it is less likely to break when it is hit or dropped.
- Tourmaline is a beautiful, durable, and versatile gemstone that can be used in a variety of applications.
Tourmaline is a beautiful and versatile gemstone that comes in a wide range of colors. It is also known for its durability, making it a popular choice for jewelry and other applications. But just how durable is tourmaline?
The Mohs Scale of Hardness
The Mohs scale of hardness is a measure of a mineral’s resistance to scratching. It ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the hardest. Tourmaline has a Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5, which means it is harder than most other gemstones, including quartz and topaz. This makes it a good choice for jewelry that will be worn daily, as it is less likely to be scratched or damaged.
Other Factors Affecting Tourmaline’s Durability
In addition to its Mohs hardness, there are other factors that can affect tourmaline‘s durability. These include:
- Cleavage: Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along certain planes. Tourmaline has perfect cleavage in one direction, which means it can be easily split along this plane. This makes it important to be careful when cutting and setting tourmaline, as it can be easily damaged if it is hit or dropped.
- Fracture: Fracture is the tendency of a mineral to break in an irregular manner. Tourmaline has a conchoidal fracture, which means it breaks with a smooth, curved surface. This type of fracture is less likely to cause damage to the gemstone, as it is less likely to create sharp edges.
- Toughness: Toughness is a measure of a mineral’s resistance to breaking. Tourmaline is a relatively tough gemstone, which means it is less likely to break when it is hit or dropped. This makes it a good choice for jewelry that will be subject to wear and tear.
Caring for Tourmaline Jewelry
To keep your tourmaline jewelry looking its best, it is important to take proper care of it. This includes:
- Cleaning: Tourmaline can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives, as these can damage the gemstone.
- Storing: Tourmaline should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help to prevent the gemstone from fading or becoming damaged.
- Wearing: When wearing tourmaline jewelry, be careful not to hit or drop it. This can damage the gemstone, especially if it has perfect cleavage.
Applications of Tourmaline
Tourmaline is a versatile gemstone that can be used in a variety of applications. These include:
- Jewelry: Tourmaline is a popular choice for jewelry, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. It is available in a wide range of colors, making it a good choice for any style.
- Healing: Tourmaline is believed to have a number of healing properties. It is said to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve circulation.
- Industrial: Tourmaline is also used in a number of industrial applications. It is used in the manufacture of electronics, optics, and abrasives.
The Bottom Line: A Durable and Versatile Gemstone
Tourmaline is a beautiful, durable, and versatile gemstone that can be used in a variety of applications. Its Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5 makes it resistant to scratching and damage, while its toughness makes it less likely to break. With proper care, tourmaline jewelry can last a lifetime.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
- Q: Is tourmaline more durable than diamond?
A: No, diamond is the hardest known natural material and has a Mohs hardness of 10. Tourmaline has a Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5, which is still very hard, but not as hard as diamond.
- Q: Can tourmaline be scratched?
A: Yes, tourmaline can be scratched by harder materials, such as diamond, sapphire, and ruby. However, it is less likely to be scratched than softer materials, such as quartz and topaz.
- Q: Is tourmaline fragile?
A: Tourmaline is not fragile, but it can be damaged if it is hit or dropped. This is especially true for tourmaline with perfect cleavage, as it can be easily split along this plane.
- Q: How can I care for my tourmaline jewelry?
A: To care for your tourmaline jewelry, clean it with mild soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives, as these can damage the gemstone. Store tourmaline jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Q: What are some of the applications of tourmaline?
A: Tourmaline is used in a variety of applications, including jewelry, healing, and industrial applications. In jewelry, tourmaline is used in rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. In healing, tourmaline is believed to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve circulation. In industrial applications, tourmaline is used in the manufacture of electronics, optics, and abrasives.
