Jade Hardness Compared to Other Gemstones

Jade is a fairly hard gemstone, ranking about 6–7 on the Mohs scale. That means it’s harder than everyday materials like steel or glass, but not as hard as sapphire or diamond. This hardness is one of the reasons jade can be polished into jewelry and art that lasts for centuries while also being strong enough for everyday wear. 

What is Hardness? The Mohs Scale

The Mohs scale measures a mineral’s resistance to scratching, from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). For example, quartz (7) can scratch feldspar (6), but not topaz (8).

Gemstone Hardness Chart

What About Durability?

Hardness and durability aren’t the same thing. Hardness = scratch resistance. Durability (or toughness) = resistance to breaking or chipping. Some stones are extremely hard but brittle, like sapphire, while jade is the opposite: not the hardest, but incredibly tough thanks to its fibrous, interlocking structure.

The Perfect Gemstone for Everyday Wear

Jade’s hardness of 6–7 makes it suitable for everyday wear, but its real strength lies in its exceptional toughness. While other gems may fracture under pressure, jade resists breaking, which is why it has been carved into tools, ornaments, and jewelry for thousands of years. This rare combination of hardness and durability is what makes jade truly unique.

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