Crystal hardness chart
Hardness tells you how easily a stone scratches. Below about 5, keep stones apart and dry.
| Stone | Mohs | Care |
|---|---|---|
| Agate | 6.5 to 7 | Durable; dyed pieces should stay out of water. |
| Amethyst | 7 | Keep out of sunny windows; the purple fades with long sun exposure. |
| Aquamarine | 7.5 to 8 | Hard and durable; rinse and dry. |
| Aura Quartz | 7 | Wipe gently; scratches and harsh cleaners can wear the coating. |
| Aventurine | 6.5 to 7 | Durable; rinse and dry. |
| Black Onyx | 6.5 to 7 | Durable; dyed pieces should stay dry. |
| Black Tourmaline | 7 to 7.5 | Raw pieces can be brittle along the striations. |
| Calcite | 3 | Soft; keep dry and away from vinegar or acids. |
| Carnelian | 6.5 to 7 | Durable; rinse and dry. |
| Chrysocolla | 2 to 4 | Soft; keep dry. |
| Citrine | 7 | Rinse and dry; avoid long sun exposure. |
| Clear Quartz | 7 | Hard and easy to clean with water and a soft cloth. |
| Dolomite | 3.5 to 4 | Soft; keep dry and dust gently. |
| Fluorite | 4 | Scratches easily; store it apart and away from sun. |
| Garnet | 6.5 to 7.5 | Durable; rinse and dry. |
| Hematite | 5.5 to 6.5 | Keep dry; it can rust. |
| Howlite | 3.5 | Porous; keep dry. |
| Jade | 6 to 7 | Durable; wipe with a soft cloth. |
| Jasper | 6.5 to 7 | Durable and easy to clean. |
| Kyanite | 4.5 to 7 (it varies with direction) | Fragile along its blades; keep dry and handle gently. |
| Labradorite | 6 to 6.5 | Wipe clean; avoid hard knocks. |
| Lapis Lazuli | 5 to 5.5 | Keep away from water and chemicals. |
| Lepidolite | 2.5 to 3 | Soft and flaky; keep dry. |
| Lodolite | 7 | Hard; rinse and dry. |
| Malachite | 3.5 to 4 | Keep dry and never use it in drinking water; do not sand or breathe its dust. |
| Moldavite | about 5.5 | Handle gently; buy from sellers who can tell you its source. |
| Moonstone | 6 to 6.5 | Avoid knocks; it can chip along cleavage planes. |
| Obsidian | 5 to 5.5 | Edges can be sharp and chip; handle and store with care. |
| Pyrite | 6 to 6.5 | Keep dry; moisture can tarnish it. |
| Quartz | 7 | Hard; rinse and dry. |
| Rhodochrosite | 3.5 to 4 | Soft; keep dry and away from acids. |
| Rose Quartz | 7 | Fine to rinse; keep out of strong sun, which can fade the pink. |
| Selenite | 2 | Never wet it; water dissolves and dulls it. Dust only. |
| Shungite | 3.5 to 4 | Leaves black marks; keep dry. |
| Smoky Quartz | 7 | Rinse and dry; long sun exposure can lighten it. |
| Sodalite | 5.5 to 6 | Wipe clean; avoid harsh cleaners. |
| Sunstone | 6 to 6.5 | Durable; wipe clean. |
| Tiger's Eye | 6.5 to 7 | Durable; wipe with a damp cloth. |
| Turquoise | 5 to 6 | Porous; keep away from water, oils and perfume. |
Namaste Crystal Shop is a brand of Wealth Edge Ventures Inc.