---
title: "Mohs scale: meaning in gemology"
description: "The Mohs scale ranks minerals from 1 to 10 by which can scratch which. Diamond is 10 and corundum is 9."
url: https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/mohs-scale
image: https://digitalgemology.com/img/og-digital-gemology.png?v=d224fb01
---

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[Glossary](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary) · Gemstone properties

# Mohs scale

Also called Mohs scale of hardness

The Mohs scale ranks minerals from 1 to 10 by which can scratch which. Diamond is 10 and corundum is 9.

## In more detail

It is a ranking, not a ruler. The steps are not equal: diamond, at 10, is far harder than corundum, at 9. So a one-point difference does not mean the same gap everywhere on the scale.

## Related terms

- [Hardness (Mohs)](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/hardness): Hardness is a gem's resistance to scratching. Gemologists rank it on the Mohs scale, on which diamond is 10.
- [Durability](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/durability): Durability is a gem's ability to resist scratching, breaking, and damage from heat, light or chemicals. It has three parts: hardness, toughness and stability.
- [Toughness](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/toughness): Toughness is a gem's resistance to chipping and breaking. It differs from hardness, which is resistance to scratching.

## Learn more

- [Diamond vs moissanite properties: hardness, refractive index, dispersion, density](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/diamond-vs-moissanite/diamond-vs-moissanite-properties)
- [Moissanite vs diamond: wear, care and cleaning](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/diamond-vs-moissanite/moissanite-vs-diamond-durability-and-care)

[All 328 terms](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary)