Which natural stones are the most durable?

The durability of natural stones is related to their hardness, brittleness and the strength of their internal structure. The most durable natural stones are generally those with high hardness, which makes them more resistant to scratches, impacts and other physical effects. Here are some of the most durable natural stones:

1. Diamond

Mohs Hardness: 10
Durability: Diamond is known as the hardest mineral in nature. It is extremely scratch resistant and therefore one of the most sought after stones in the jewelry world. However, diamonds are perfectly cleavable and prone to breakage, so care should be taken when striking them.

2. Corundum (Sapphire and Ruby)

Mohs Hardness: 9
Durability: Sapphire and ruby are stones belonging to the corundum family and are among the hardest natural stones after diamonds. They are very resistant to scratches and impacts, so they are often used in jewelry such as rings and necklaces.

3. Topaz

Mohs Hardness: 8
Durability: Topaz is known for its high hardness and is quite durable. While it is resistant to scratches, it can be sensitive to sharp impacts and should therefore be handled with care.

4. Quartz (Amethyst, City, Smoky Quartz etc.)

Mohs Hardness: 7
Durability: Quartz group stones are quite common and have excellent durability properties. They have good resistance to both scratches and impacts, so they find a wide range of use.

5. Spinel

Mohs Hardness: 7.5 - 8
Durability: Spinel is a hard and durable stone. This stone, which can be confused with ruby and sapphire, is very resistant to impacts and scratches.

6. Zircon

Mohs Hardness: 7.5
Durability: Zircon is known for its high hardness and is considered a scratch-resistant stone. Also, well-treated zircons are long-lasting as jewelry.

7. Granite

Mohs Hardness: 6 - 7
Durability: Granite is often used as a building material and is highly resistant to abrasion, scratches, heat and chemicals. For this reason, it is widely preferred for countertops and outdoor cladding.

8. Jadeite and Nephrite (Jade)

Mohs Hardness: 6.5 - 7
Durability: Jade (Jadeite and Nephrite) is known for its durability. It has been used throughout history for both ornaments and tools. It is very resistant to breakage with its hard and flexible structure.

9. Labradorite

Mohs Hardness: 6 - 6.5
Durability: Labradorite is a very hard and durable stone, with good resistance to scratches. It is also an aesthetic stone that exhibits a beautiful play of light (labradorescence).

10. Tourmaline

Mohs Hardness: 7 - 7.5
Durability: Tourmaline is resistant to scratches due to its high hardness. It is frequently used in jewelry making due to its color variety and durability.

11. Garnet

Mohs Hardness: 6.5 - 7.5
Durability: Garnet stones are extremely durable and are widely used in jewelry for everyday use. They are resistant to scratches and impacts.

12. Serpentine

Mohs Hardness: 2.5 - 5.5
Durability: Although serpentine stone has a relatively low hardness, it is quite durable and is often used in making decorative stones and sculptures.

Conclusion

The most durable natural stones are usually those with high hardness. These stones resist scratches, impacts, and general abrasion, making them ideal for jewelry and decoration. Stones such as diamond, sapphire, ruby, and topaz are among the most durable natural stones, making them excellent choices for everyday wear. However, despite the durability of each stone, proper care and maintenance methods will extend the life of the stone.