Topaz is one of the hardest naturally occurring minerals and is the hardest of any silicate mineral. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is 8, which means it’s harder than most other gemstones except for corundum (sapphires and rubies) and diamonds. This makes topaz a great choice for jewelry that’s worn daily, like rings or bracelets, as it can withstand scratches and abrasions. However, despite its hardness, topaz can be split with a single, sharp blow, a trait it shares with diamond. As a result, it should be protected from hard knocks.
