Welcome to our discussion on the fascinating world of sapphires! These precious gemstones are renowned for their stunning colors, durability, and luster. However, despite their hardness and toughness, sapphires can still be scratched if not handled and cared for properly.
Here Are Ways Sapphires Can Scratch
There are 3 ways Sapphires can scratch this includes:
Careless Storage
It is a synthetic crystal
Knocking your Sapphire
Sapphires scratch easier than a diamond
Using Sandpaper on the sapphire
In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons why sapphires can scratch and provide some tips for polishing and maintaining their pristine beauty. Whether you’re a jewellery enthusiast or simply curious about gemstones, read on to discover how to keep your sapphire jewellery looking its best for years to come.
Can Real Sapphires Scratch?
Yes, a real sapphire can scratch. While sapphires are a relatively hard gemstone, they can still be scratched or damaged by harder substances. In fact, only a diamond, which is the hardest substance on the Mohs scale, can scratch a sapphire.
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), sapphires are rated 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means they are very durable and resistant to scratches. However, this does not mean they are completely scratch-proof. Sapphires can still be scratched by other materials that are harder than a 9 on the Mohs scale, such as diamond or some industrial materials.
Ways Sapphires Scratch
It Is A Synthetic Crystal (Made Of Glass Or Plastic)
Synthetic crystals made of glass or plastic that are similar to sapphires in appearance can scratch very easily because they are much softer than a genuine sapphire. While synthetic sapphires can also be made using materials like aluminum oxide, these types of synthetic sapphires are much harder than glass or plastic imitations and are much more scratch-resistant.
Glass and plastic imitations of sapphires are typically used in low-cost jewelry or fashion accessories as a less expensive alternative to genuine sapphires. However, they are prone to scratches and other forms of damage due to their softness and lack of durability.
To put this into perspective, glass typically has a Mohs hardness of around 5-6, while plastic can be even softer. This is significantly lower than the Mohs hardness rating of sapphire, which as we mentioned earlier, is a 9 on the scale. This means that glass and plastic imitations of sapphires can easily be scratched by a variety of everyday objects, from metal objects to sand and grit.
It’s important to note that while synthetic sapphires made from materials like aluminum oxide are much harder than glass or plastic imitations, they can still be scratched or damaged if not properly cared for. Therefore, it’s always important to take proper care of your jewellery, regardless of whether it contains natural or synthetic gemstones, to prevent scratches and other forms of damage.
Knocking A Sapphire
Knocking a sapphire can scratch it due to the impact causing microscopic chips or fractures in the surface of the stone. While sapphires are relatively durable, they are not indestructible, and even a small impact can cause damage.
There are a number of ways that a person can accidentally knock a sapphire and cause scratches or other forms of damage. Here are a few examples:
Hitting the sapphire against a hard surface: If you accidentally hit your sapphire jewelry against a hard surface, such as a table or countertop, it can cause scratches or even chips in the surface of the stone.
Dropping the sapphire: If you drop your sapphire jewelry onto a hard floor, it can cause a significant impact that can scratch or damage the stone. This is especially true if the sapphire lands on a hard or uneven surface.
Wearing the sapphire during physical activities: If you wear your sapphire jewelry while engaging in physical activities, such as playing sports or doing yard work, it can increase the chances of accidentally knocking the stone and causing damage.
Careless Storage
Careless storage of a sapphire jewelry piece can scratch the sapphire for a number of reasons. First, if the jewelry is stored loose in a jewelry box or drawer, it can rub against other pieces of jewelry or hard surfaces, causing scratches or other forms of damage.
Second, if the jewellery is not properly protected during travel or transportation, it can jostle around and come into contact with other objects, causing scratches or other forms of damage. Here are a few examples of how careless storage can scratch a sapphire:
Storing the sapphire with other jewelry: If you store your sapphire jewelry loose in a jewelry box or drawer with other pieces of jewelry, they can rub against each other and cause scratches or other forms of damage. This is especially true if the other jewelry contains metal components that can scratch the surface of the sapphire.
Storing the sapphire in a purse or bag: If you toss your sapphire jewelry into a purse or bag without proper protection, it can jostle around and come into contact with other objects, causing scratches or other forms of damage. This is especially true if the purse or bag contains other hard or sharp objects.
Traveling with the sapphire: If you travel with your sapphire jewelry and don’t properly protect it, it can become scratched or damaged during transportation. For example, if you pack the jewelry loose in a suitcase, it can rub against other items and become scratched. Similarly, if you wear the jewelry while traveling and it comes into contact with hard surfaces or objects, it can become scratched or damaged.
To prevent scratches and other forms of damage during storage, it’s important to store your sapphire jewelry in a separate compartment or protective pouch. You can also use a soft cloth or jewelry roll to protect the jewelry during travel. By taking these steps, you can help keep your sapphire jewellery looking its best for years to come.
Sapphires Scratch Easier Than A Diamond
Although sapphires are relatively hard and durable, they can still scratch easier than a diamond. The main reason for this is the difference in their crystal structure and composition.
Sapphires are a type of mineral known as corundum, which is composed primarily of aluminum oxide. While sapphires are relatively hard and have a Mohs hardness rating of 9, diamonds are much harder, with a Mohs hardness rating of 10. This means that diamonds are much less likely to scratch or be scratched than sapphires.
The crystal structure of diamonds also plays a role in their hardness. Diamonds are composed of carbon atoms arranged in a highly ordered, three-dimensional lattice structure. This structure gives diamonds their exceptional hardness and durability, as it makes it difficult for other materials to scratch or damage the surface of the stone.
In contrast, sapphires have a different crystal structure, which makes them more prone to scratches and other forms of damage. Sapphires have a hexagonal crystal structure that is not as tightly packed as the crystal structure of diamonds. This makes the surface of the stone more susceptible to scratches and other forms of damage, as there is more space for other materials to interact with the surface of the stone.
Using Sandpaper To Remove Scratches (This You Should Not Do)
Using sandpaper on a sapphire can scratch it because sandpaper is made of abrasive particles that can wear away the surface of the stone, leaving behind scratches or other forms of damage. Even a fine-grit sandpaper can cause scratches on a sapphire, as the particles are harder than the surface of the stone.
Sapphires are relatively hard and durable, with a Mohs hardness rating of 9, but they are not completely scratch-resistant. If you use sandpaper on a sapphire, even inadvertently, it can cause damage to the surface of the stone.
In addition, sandpaper is not typically used in the jewellery-making process for sapphires or other precious stones. Jewellers use other tools and techniques, such as polishing wheels and compounds, to shape and polish the surface of the stone without causing damage.
If you need to remove scratches or other forms of damage from a sapphire, it’s best to take it to a professional jeweler who has the proper tools and expertise to polish and repair the stone. Attempting to remove scratches or damage yourself, especially with abrasive materials like sandpaper, can cause more harm than good and potentially devalue the stone.
Ways To Polish A Sapphire That Has Been Scratched
Fine Diamond Powder & Grinding Tool
Polishing a sapphire that has been scratched can be done using a Fine Diamond Powder & Grinding Tool. Here are the steps to follow:
Clean the sapphire: Before polishing, make sure the sapphire is clean and free of any dirt or debris. Use a tea towel or cloth and water and soap to clean the top part of the stone. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
Apply the diamond powder: Using a soft cloth, apply a small amount of the fine diamond powder to the surface of the sapphire. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can cause more scratches.
Use the grinding tool: Using a rotary tool with a soft polishing pad attached, gently buff the surface of the sapphire. Be sure to use a low speed and light pressure to avoid causing additional scratches.
Clean and inspect: After polishing, clean the sapphire once again with mild soap and water. Dry with a soft cloth and inspect the surface of the stone for any remaining scratches or damage.
Repeat as necessary: If the scratches are still visible, repeat the process of applying the diamond powder and using the grinding tool until the scratches are removed.
It’s important to note that polishing a sapphire can be a delicate process and should be done with care. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, it’s best to take your sapphire to a professional jeweller who has the proper tools and expertise to polish and repair the stone.
Lapidary Equipment
Polishing a sapphire that has been scratched can also be done using lapidary equipment. Here are the steps to follow:
Clean the sapphire: Before polishing, make sure the sapphire is clean and free of any dirt or debris. Use a soft cloth and mild soap and water to gently clean the surface of the stone. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
Choose the right equipment: Lapidary equipment includes a range of tools, such as a flat lap or cabbing machine, diamond polishing pads, and polishing compounds. Choose the equipment that is appropriate for the size and shape of the sapphire.
Attach the polishing pad: Using the lapidary equipment, attach a diamond polishing pad to the flat lap or cabbing machine.
Apply the polishing compound: Apply a small amount of polishing compound to the surface of the diamond polishing pad.
Polish the sapphire: Using the lapidary equipment, polish the surface of the sapphire using the diamond polishing pad and polishing compound. Be sure to use a low speed and light pressure to avoid causing additional scratches.
Clean and inspect: After polishing, clean the sapphire once again with mild soap and water. Dry with a soft cloth and inspect the surface of the stone for any remaining scratches or damage.
Repeat as necessary: If the scratches are still visible, repeat the process of applying the polishing compound and using the lapidary equipment until the scratches are removed.
It’s important to note that polishing a sapphire can be a delicate process and should be done with care. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, it’s best to take your sapphire to a professional lapidary or jeweller who has the proper equipment and expertise to polish and repair the stone.
Source:
