FAQ

What is the hardest gemstone?

Diamond at Mohs 10. It is 4x harder than corundum (ruby and sapphire) at Mohs 9. The Mohs scale is logarithmic - each step is roughly 10x harder than the previous.

What is the rarest gemstone?

Painite held the Guinness record for worlds rarest mineral for years - only a few dozen crystals were known. Grandidierite, red beryl, and benitoite are also extraordinarily rare. Tanzanite is the rarest commercially available gemstone, found in only one location.

Are synthetic gemstones real?

Lab-created gemstones have identical chemical, physical, and optical properties to natural ones. They are real gemstones, just not mined from the earth. They typically cost 20-50% less. The FTC requires disclosure of synthetic origin.

How should I clean gemstones?

Warm soapy water and a soft brush works for most stones. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners with emeralds (can damage oil treatments), opals (can crack), and pearls (can dissolve the nacre). Store gemstones separately to prevent scratching.