About a century ago, Mineralogist Friedrich Mohs established a reference scale of ten common minerals, ranked in order of increasing hardness. It is called the Mohs Scale of Hardness. The lower the number, the softer the stone/mineral, for example, TALC has a #1 scale of hardness whereas a DIAMOND has a #10 scale of hardness. The gemstones below have all been given a hardness ranking based on the Mohs Scale of Hardness and are popular stones used in our jewellery-making; however, not all stones that we use are listed below but we are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our stones. Please email us at designer@cuthill.ca.
| Gemstone | Gemstone Information | Care tips | Mohs scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agate
|
Agate is silica mineral, a form of chalcedony (quartz). Healing properties: to overcome negativity. |
Clean using warm soapy water and a soft brush. | 7-7.5 |
| Amazonite
|
Amazonite is a mineral known as a microcline feldspar. Healing properties: to help with stress and emotions. |
Clean using warm water and mild soap. | 6-6.5 |
Amber |
Amber is fossilized tree resin. The colour of all amber will darken over time. Healing properties: to balance emotions & clear the mind. |
Clean only with warm, soapy water. | 2-2.5 |
| Amethyst
|
Amethyst beads are made of a mineral known as silicon oxide quartz. A Green amethyst is otherwise known as prasiolite. Prasiolite is amethyst that has been heated, as is citrine (see below), which is why Ametrine exists. One part of the stone was heated, creating a chemical change. Healing properties: natural stress reliever; encourages inner strength and peace. February’s birthstone; 6th & 17th anniversary stone |
Amethyst can be safely cleaned with warm soapy water. Ultrasonic cleaners are usually safe. | 7 |
| Apatite
|
Apatite beads are composed of a mineral known as a phosphate. Healing properties: clears away confusion, apathy or negativity; stimulates intellect and growth. |
The use of steamers & ultra-sonic cleaners are to be avoided. Soapy water is your best option. | 5 |
| Aquamarine
|
Aquamarine beads are made of a mineral known as a beryl. The blue colouring is due to trace amounts of iron. Healing properties: Its calming energies reduce stress and quieten the mind. March’s birthstone; 19th anniversary stone |
Warm, soapy water is a safe cleaning method for aquamarine as are ultrasonic and steam cleaners. | 7.5-8 |
| Aventurine
|
Aventurine beads are made from a stone composed of combined quartz, mica, and other crystals. Red aventurine is an aventurine feldspar. Healing properties: balances blood pressure & stimulates metabolism. Helps with inflammation, allergies & migraines. |
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Aventurine can be easily cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft cloth or brush. | 7 |
| Carnelian
|
Carnelian is a kind of chalcedony which is a quartz. Its red colour comes from its iron oxide (hematite) content. Healing properties: restores vitality & motivation; stimulates creativity and dispels apathy. |
Clean using warm soapy water and a soft cloth or brush. Be sure to rinse well to remove any remaining soapy residue. | 6.5-7 |
| Chalcedony
|
Chalcedony is a micro-crystalline quartz; it is formed not of one single crystal but many finely grained microcrystals. Healing properties: improves memory & gives the feeling of optimism. |
Clean using warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or brush. Be sure to rinse well to remove any soapy residue. | 6.5-7 |
| Citrine
|
Citrine is made from a mineral that is a member of the quartz family. It is known as the “merchants’ stone,” due to the belief that it attracts wealth and abundance. Iron content gives citrine its colour. Healing properties: enhances concentration & revitalizes the mind; releases negativity. November’s birthstone; 13th anniversary stone |
Citrine can be safely cleaned with warm, soapy water as well as Ultrasonic cleaners. Steam cleaning is not recommended, as citrine should not be subjected to heat. | 7 |
| Diamond
|
The hardest gem of all is made of just one element: carbon. It’s valued for its colorless nature and purity. Healing properties: promotes strength, invincibility, courage, creativity, imagination, self-worth and love. April’s birthstone; 60th anniversary stone |
Diamonds can be cleaned safely with lint-free cloths, commercial jewelry cleaning solutions, and household detergents. | 10 |
| Emerald
|
Emerald is the green to greenish blue variety of beryl, a mineral species that also includes aquamarine. Healing properties: enhances unconditional love, unity and promotes friendship. May’s birthstone; 55th anniversary stone |
Emeralds are porous and best cleaned with a soft cloth. Never put away wet/damp. | 7.5-8 |
| Fluorite
|
Fluorite beads are made of calcium fluoride. It is strongly colour banded, rather soft and brittle. Healing properties: increases powers of concentration, self-confidence and helps with decision-making. |
Best cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush or cloth. Avoid storing fluorite with other gems or jewelry that could scratch it and dull its surface. | 4 |
| Garnet
Tsavorite
|
All garnets have similar physical properties and crystal forms but differ in chemical composition; they are all in the silicate mineral group. Tsavorite is a green variety of garnet. Healing properties: boosts the immune system & energy levels. January’s birthstone; 2nd anniversary stone |
Warm soapy water is always safe for cleaning garnets. Steam cleaning is not recommended. | 7-7.5 |
| Iolite
|
Iolite beads are made from a mineral that is a silicate of alumina, iron, and magnesia. It is also known as cordierite. Healing properties:promotes introspection & brings wisdom. Helps to boost blood circulation. 21st anniversary stone |
Protect from impact. Warm soapy water and a soft brush are perfect for cleaning iolite. | 7 |
| Jade
|
Jade comes in two different varieties, specifically jadeite and nephrite. Jadeite, the more expensive of the two, is composed of microscopic crystals. Healing properties:relieves irritability while helping to eliminate negativity. 19th anniversary stone |
Protect from abrasion. To clean jade properly, you can use only water or can add a little mild soap to the water. Do not soak the gemstone in water. | 6.5-7 |
| Jasper
|
Jasper beads are made of small quartz crystals, specifically chalcedony. If heavily banded, jasper is called an agate. Healing properties: relieves fear, frustration and guilt; builds inner-strength & confidence. |
Jasper is quite porous which allows it to absorb other chemicals and colours very easily; soap and water are best for cleaning. Rinse & dry w/ a soft cloth. | 6.5-7 |
| Kunzite
|
Kunzite is the best-known variety of the mineral spodumene. It gets its delicate color from trace amounts of manganese. Healing properties: helps to remove emotional blockages & combat feelings of inferiority; has a calming effect. Alternative birthstone for February. |
Protect from impact. Warm soapy water and a soft brush are perfect for cleaning kunzite. | 6.5-7 |
| Kyanite
|
Kyanite is a gemstone quality aluminum silicate. Healing properties: provides balance of yin-yang energy and dispels blockages; moves energy gently through the physical body. |
Use only water and a mild soap. Wipe stones with a soft cloth and rinse well to remove soapy residue. | 4-7 Cut dependant |
| Labradorite
|
Labradorite beads are made from a feldspar mineral. Labradorite’s unique feature that it brings to jewelry making projects is a colour play of light called “labradorescence.” Healing properties: enhances strength of will and feelings of inner-worth. |
Avoid impact, abrasion, and harsh chemicals. (It is quite brittle.) Cleaning should be done with warm water and soap. | 6-6.5 |
| Lapis Lazuli
|
Lapis Lazuli beads are composed primarily of the mineral lazurite, but often have golden pyrite or white calcite inclusions. Healing properties: assists to confront and speak one’s truth and inspires confidence. |
Avoid contact with chemicals. Warm, soapy water is the safest way to clean lapis lazuli. | 5.5 |
Malachite |
Malachite beads are made from a mineral scientifically called copper carbonate hydroxide; malachite is a copper ore. Healing properties: promotes adventurous life; deepens emotional life, & promotes power of imagination. |
Malachite is sensitive to both heat and acids; requiring gentle care, so no ultra-sonic or steam cleaning. | 3.5-4 |
| Moonstone
|
Moonstone is composed of a mineral scientifically called orthoclase and/or plagioclase feldspar. Healing properties: soothes emotional instability and stress, and stabilizes the emotions, providing calmness. Alternative birthstone for June. |
Warm soapy water is the only recommended substance for cleaning moonstones. | 6-6.5 |
| Morganite
|
Like its cousins, emerald and aquamarine, morganite is a variety of the beryl mineral species. Its blush colour comes from trace amount of manganese in the crystal structure. Healing properties: cleanses you of your stress and anxieties. |
Warm, soapy water is always a safe cleaning method for morganite. Cleaning by ultrasonic and steam cleaners is also usually safe. | 7.5-8 |
| Obsidian
|
Obsidian beads are made from volcanic silica glass. Obsidian is not a true gemstone, rather glass made by Mother Nature. Healing properties: draws out mental stress and tension. |
Clean Obsidian using warm, soapy water. Avoid ultra-sonic cleaners and heat as obsidian can shatter. | 5-5.5 |
| Onyx
|
Onyx is a banded variety of the oxide mineral chalcedony. Onyx is formed in the vesicles of lava. Healing properties: aids the development of emotional & physical strength, & stamina. |
The best way to clean an onyx is to wipe it clean with a moist cloth. | 7 |
| Opal
|
Opals are made from hydrated silica. Opals contain 6-10% water, and can crack when dried out completely (crazing). Healing properties: promotes empathy; improves communication to help express oneself clearly. October’s birthstone. |
Avoid impact, heat, strong light, and harsh chemicals. Clean with warm or room temperature soap and water. | 5.5-6.5 |
| Pearl
|
Pearls are a mineral made from calcium carbonate within the soft tissue of a living mollusk. Healing properties: stabilizes mood to relieve feelings of tension, anxiety, nervousness, and uneasiness; helps dispel negativity. June’s birthstone; 30th anniversary |
Best cleaned with a damp cloth. If needed, lukewarm water with a little dish soap can remove stains. | 2.5-3 |
| Peridot
|
Peridot is the gem variety of the mineral olivine, a magnesium/ iron silicate. Healing properties: reduces stress, anger and guilt; enhances confidence and assertion, motivating change. August’s birthstone; 15th anniversary stone |
Warm, soapy water is the best method for cleaning peridot. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not ideal. | 6.5-7 |
| Pyrite
|
Pyrite, also known as iron pyrite is a sulfide mineral. Due to its yellow metallic shine, it was given the nickname “fool’s gold”. In jewelry, pyrite is more commonly called marcasite. Healing properties: protects against negative energies; stimulates intellect and enhances memory. |
Cleaning should be done with warm water, some soap and a soft cloth to dry. Do not use Jewelry cleaner, hot or boiling water or steam or ultrasonic. | 6-6.5 |
| Clear Quartz
Rose Quartz
Rutilated Quartz
Herkimer diamond quartz
|
Quartz is a mineral composed of silicon and oxygen atoms; chemically, it is the simplest form of the silicates. Clear and rose quartz are among the most popular quartz varieties for use in jewelry making.
Herkimer diamonds are a unique form of quartz crystal found in the state of New York. Most of the brilliant, water-clear crystals show the classic 18-sided, doubly terminated hexagonal form. |
Warm, soapy water is always a safe method for cleaning rose quartz. Cleaning with ultrasonic and steam cleaners should be avoided. | Clear/Rose quartz 7 Rutilated quartz Herkimer diamond quartz |
| Ruby
|
Ruby is the most valuable variety of the corundum mineral species, which also includes sapphire. Healing properties: stimulates the mind to be more positive and self-assured. July’s birthstone; 15th & 40th anniversary. |
Warm, soapy water is always a safe method for cleaning but, there is not issue using ultrasonic cleaning with such a hard stone. | 9 |
| Blue Sapphire
Yellow sapphire
Padparascha
|
The name “sapphire” can apply to any corundum that’s not ruby. Corundums come in all colours of the rainbow but, sapphires are assumed to be blue, the most valuable of which is the rich cornflower blue. Also of great value is the sought after pinkish-orange sapphire called padparadscha.
Healing properties: releases mental tension, depression, unwanted thoughts and spiritual confusion. |
Warm, soapy water is always a safe method for cleaning but, there is not issue using ultrasonic cleaning with such a hard stone. | 9 |
| Spinel
|
Spinel is a large group of minerals, in the spinel group. Spinels are allochromatic gemstones. This means that the pure mineral is colorless. Colors are derived from the presence of trace elements like chromium, iron, and cobalt. The majority of precious gems, such emerald, ruby, sapphire, also quartz, aquamarine, and topaz are all allochromatic. Healing properties:helps to release stress and worry whilst replenishing depleted energy; inspires new ways of thinking. Alternative August birthstone. |
While ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners are usually safe, certain inclusions like fractures could pose a potential problem. It’s always safe to clean spinel with warm soapy water. | 8 |
| Tanzanite
|
Tanzanite is a blue variety of zoisite. Tanzanite was named by Tiffany’s in 1969, as a marketing effort to improve on the name zoisite. This stone is trichroic, which means it is a different colour depending on the viewing angle. The colours are blue, purple, and bronze. Healing properties:helps to strengthen the immune system. December’s birthstone; 24th anniversary stone |
Warm, soapy water is always safe. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not recommended for Tanzanite. | 6.5-7 |
| Imperial topaz
London Blue topaz
|
Topaz is quite hard, glassy, translucent to transparent, and beautifully coloured. It can be clear, yellow, orange, red, blue or green. It is names after the mineral it comes from: topaz. Healing properties: promotes truth and forgiveness. Blue topaz is December’s birthstone; 4th anniversary stone |
It’s important to avoid steam or ultrasound for cleaning topaz: Warm, soapy water works best. | 8 |
| Tourmaline
Our designer’s favourite gemstone; Paraiba tourmaline
|
Scientifically, the mineral tourmaline is actually a group of minerals, rather than a single one. These minerals are elbaite, schorl, dravite and uvite. Tourmaline has the widest range of colours of all gems. Healing properties: enhances physical well-being by providing an increase in vitality, emotional stability, and intellectual acuity. Blue topaz is October’s birthstone; 8th anniversary stone |
Tourmaline should be protected from sharp blows or sudden changes in temperature. Warm, soapy water is the best method for cleaning. Avoid the use of ultrasonic and steam cleaners. | 7-7.5 |
| Turquoise
|
The mineral turquoise is composed of hydrated copper and aluminum phosphate. Turquoise is often a by-product of copper mining. Healing properties: aids in the absorption of nutrients, enhances the immune system, stimulates the regeneration of tissue, and heals the body. Alternative December birthstone; 11th anniversary stone |
Avoid impact, abrasion, harsh chemicals, ultra-sonic cleaners, high heat, or exposure to oils. (Even skin oils or oil in make-up can change the colour. | 5.5-6.5 |
| Tiger’s Eye blue, brown and red
|
Tiger’s eye is quartz that has replaced a fibrous material in a process similar to that of wood petrification. Healing properties: promotes mental clarity, assisting to resolve problems objectively and unclouded by emotions. |
Avoid harsh chemicals and cleaners such as bleach, ammonia or sulfuric acid. Also avoid spraying perfume or hairspray on your tiger’s eye. | 7 |
| Zircon
|
Zircon is a colorful gem with high refraction and fire that’s unfairly confused with cubic zirconia. Zircon is a mineral belonging to the group of nesosilicates. Its chemical name is zirconium silicate. Healing properties: helps bring all energy resources into a sharp focus, giving to its wearer both strength and confidence. Blue Zircon – an alternative birthstone for December |
Avoid harsh chemicals and cleaners; warm, soapy water is your best option. | 6-7.5 |
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