Submitted by Acceptable_Shift_247 t3_10na2gk in askscience
ArmoredHeart t1_j6asntd wrote
Reply to comment by im_not_u_im_cat in can gemstones be melted into a gradient? by Acceptable_Shift_247
Small-time jeweler and gem dealer also here. I’d like to qualify that hardness of a stone only refers to resistance to abrasion (scratching), and is distinct from tenacity, the resistance to breakage and deformation. Diamond, for instance, has perfect cleavage (planes of weakness in the crystal) in 4 directions (like the top of a pyramid) so, despite its extreme hardness, it’s actually vulnerable to breakage relative to sapphire, which isn’t as hard. To be clear, it still has good tenacity, just not excellent tenacity.
[deleted] t1_j6cedme wrote
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