Do Emeralds Scratch Easily?

It should be no surprise that emeralds are one of the most sought-after gemstones. Vibrant and rich in colour, emeralds have always been associated with luxury and wealth and have been around since ancient times. If you are interested in natural emerald jewellery in Australia, you’ll be happy to know that the popularity of emerald gemstones is arguably only increasing.

Nowadays, they are seen worn by royal families, celebrities, and a slew of other prominent figures. From emerald necklaces to earrings and engagement rings, they can be seen all around us, which will allay any concerns you may have about if emeralds can be worn every day. 

When it comes to scratch resistance, most people make the mistake of assuming an emerald is a green diamond. The green diamond versus emerald is common, but we want to hone in on another commonly asked question about how easy it is to scratch an emerald. 

We put together this handy guide to help give you the insights you need on all things emeralds and how to take care of them so they last forever.

So, do emerald gemstones scratch easily? The answer depends on how it’s worn and cared for, as well as the actual quality of the emerald. That said, you will be happy to know that emeralds are surprisingly more resistant than most people would expect them to be. 

Emeralds on the Hardness Scale

It might not be any surprise to hear that diamonds score a ten out of ten on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making them incredibly resistant to scratches. While emeralds do not quite reach the ten mark on this scale, they do rate somewhere between 7.5 and 8. So, while they might not be as resistant to scratches as diamonds are, they still score high enough on the scale to be durable. 

It is worth keeping in mind that a stone’s hardness rating is not the only factor that determines whether or not it will be susceptible to scratches. 

An emerald is a very tough and durable gemstone, thanks in part to its composition and structure. While emeralds might be more likely to scratch compared to diamonds, they are less susceptible to chips or cracks.

How Emeralds Are Worn Matters

While emeralds are durable enough to withstand the wear and tear that comes from everyday wear, the way it’s worn and cared for plays a large factor in its susceptibility to scratches. If an emerald is worn in or exposed to sudden temperatures, including extreme heat, the stone can crack—and cracks are arguably worse than scratches!

It is also important to be mindful of wearing your gemstones around chemicals. If you often wash your laundry with chlorine or bleach, it is essential that you put your stone away in a safe place. Exposure to chemicals of any kind can damage the surface of your emerald and make it more prone to cracking. 

Like any jewellery you own, it is vital to properly clean your emeralds. This type of gemstone is best cleaned using a gentle mild soap and a damp cloth. Given its sensitivity to heat and chemicals, it is best to avoid using steam cleaners or harsh cleaning solutions. 

Find Your Perfect Emerald

If you are looking for the perfect emerald, look no further than Holloway Diamonds. With an extensive collection of emerald jewellery and custom design services, you can be sure there’s a perfect emerald piece waiting for you. Give us a call to set up an appointment at our Melbourne showroom, or a virtual appointment online!