The trend for choosing diamond as a gemstone for engagement rings is nearly over. People are drifting to other stones and moss agate is one of them.
Moss agate stone has mystical beauty and a deep connection to nature. When used in the rings it creates a signature look that can keep all eyes towards your beloved. However, there is a myth about the hardness of Moss agate. It is thought that moss agate is not durable enough to be used inside an engagement ring.
While you choose jewellery, durability is an important factor. Moss agate can endure the daily bumps and scratches as it has a hardness of 5 to 7 on Mohs scale. However, it is not perfect for activities like hard hits like intense sports and rock climbing.
In this article, we will go through the hardness profile of moss agate rings and decide if it's good for your engagement or wedding ring or not.
Understanding Moss Agate Hardness
When it comes to understanding the hardness of moss agate, the most essential tool is the Mohs scale of hardness. This scale was launched by a German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs in 1812 and it is quite useful in the geological sciences for determination of relative hardness of minerals and gemstones. The values on Mohs scale vary from 1 to 10 where 1 indicates a very soft rock while 10 indicates a very hard rock or stone.
Well! This scale is not just some kind of abstract number given to the stones. It shows the ability of a gemstone to withstand scratching. This is an important aspect in choosing stones for jewellery, especially those to be used daily like engagement rings. Diamond has number 10 hardness on this scale.
Moonstone’s hardness lies between 5 to 7 on this scale. This puts it in the group of the harder to find gemstones and therefore belongs to moderately hard gemstones. But one thing is for sure, moss agate is not soft, not even close to a diamond which rates 10 or sapphire that is usually rated 9. In fact, moss agate is a delicate yet beautiful stone that has the ability to handle almost all forms of wear and tear. So, we can say it is a beautiful and long-lasting stone for an engagement ring.
Why Hardness Matters for Engagement Rings?
Durability is one of the main factors in the selection of gemstones. Ideally, you want your ring to last a long time and here a hard gemstone will prove more useful than a soft gemstone. A soft gemstone is very vulnerable to scratches, chipping or other sorts of damages so it can affect its appearance and price.
Diamond, sapphire and ruby are the most popular gemstones in engagement rings, and all of them have Mohs hardness of 9 and 10. This makes them very hard and ideal to be used in everyday uses. Other stones like Emerald, Opal and Pearl are softer gems and are easily damaged as they are having less hardness as compared to diamond.
When you are selecting your gemstone for an engagement ring you should always choose one that is durable. However, there are many individuals who prefer to put on different gemstones. Like who could say no to a beautiful purple amethyst, a peridot or an icy aquamarine? But it is necessary to understand that those gems demand more caution from the side of the wearer. You need to take it off quite often and do not use it at all in tough conditions.
So, durability is a must to consider if you want your ring to last for longer. Besides, sapphire and diamond, moss agate is a popular gemstone with moderate hardness. It has the ability to withstand rigours of everyday use which makes it perfect for both delicate and everyday wear rings. However, when you indulge in harsh activities like rock climbing or sports, then you should better put your ring off.
Should You Get A Moss Agate Engagement Ring?
Just like other gemstones, moss agate also has its own unique pros and cons that make it a good choice for jewellery.
Pros of Moss Agate
Attraction
Moss Agate is considered to be exceptionally beautiful and unique. It has beautiful green patterns inside that complement the engagement ring and exhibit a feeling of natural landscapes. So, the engagement ring containing moss agate would be attractive in its own way. It will not only bring you closer to nature but also has a calming and soothing effect.
Budget Friendliness
Diamond, sapphires and other gemstones are quite expensive. When we compare their costs with moss agate, it's cheap and affordable. This means that you can enjoy the beauty of your engagement ring without spending much. Your partner is not only going to love your choice but it is also being lighter on your pocket. So, from a practicality point of view, moss agate seems a smart move as compared to spending out of your budget and buying a diamond that you cannot afford.
Also, when you go to repair diamond and sapphire rings, they charge you a hefty price. However, moss agate rings have offered cheaper repairs and replacements so you don’t have to worry about expenditure.
Mystic Significance
Moss agate is natural stone that is formed as a result of processes that occur in earth’s crust over time. When volcanic activities occur, gas bubbles form cavities inside the cooling lavas. These cavities become breeding grounds for agate formation. Later, during hydrothermal activities and ground water movement, silica is deposited inside these cavities and inclusions are formed.
So, we can say that moss agate have natural colours and this is the reason it is popular among individuals who are interested in the mystical significance of gemstones. It brings calmness and positivity in the life of the one who wears it.
Cons of Moss Agate
Maintenance Required
Moss agate ranks between 5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale which makes it perfect for making engagement rings. However, you cannot expect it to be as durable as diamond. It needs to be taken care of and you should bever expose it to the rough surfaces or keep it with harder gemstones like sapphire, diamond and metallic substances. Also, you should never use strong acids or alkalis near moss agate to avoid reactions.
Not for the Most Active Lifestyles
You can wear a moss agate ring every day. However, if you are involved in a very active lifestyle or work in an environment where moss agate could come in contact with hard materials, you should avoid wearing it. People who are involved in physical activities such as intense sports, manual work or are gym enthusiasts should approach the idea of wearing the moss agate engagement ring with caution because it too might have a negative impact on the stone when you keep on banging it against instruments.
Submissive Brilliance
Moss agate is not shiny or brilliant like diamonds and sapphires. This stone is associated with nature and its uniqueness is due to its green inclusions, not shine. So, if you are looking for a rather splendid and shining gemstone then you should stop looking for moss agate. It is only for those who want to stay near nature or want to have something unique rather than brilliant diamonds and other coloured gemstones.
Moss Agate Engagement Rings from Moss Agate Ring
Natural Moss Agate Oval Engagement Ring
For a ring that not only looks great but can also stand up to a lot of wear and tear, the Natural Moss Agate Oval Engagement Ring is a good choice. This ring is not only an ornament but also a very durable one and will serve for a long time, so it is perfect for daily wear. The oval cut makes it more beautiful and timeless for anyone who wants the natural look with a little twist of the classic shape. If you want to make your new start memorable or if you simply like the look of moss agate then it is a perfect combination of beauty and strength.
Classic Round Cut Moss Agate Ring
The classic round cut moss agate ring is also quite sturdy and can be worn on a daily basis. Round cut enhances the beauty of the moss agate gemstone because it exposes its beautiful green colours and intricate patterns. The beauty of this ring’s design is that it is simple and beautiful and the stone is strong enough to endure the test of time. Created for those who like to wear rings with a minimum of embellishment and a lot of natural materials. This ring is not only beautiful but also very sturdy and suitable for those who need a solid piece of jewellery.
Conclusion
Moss agate is becoming a popular option for jewellery especially in engagement rings. This stone is not hard as diamond but hard enough to withstand everyday wear and tear. However, it should not be worn when you are doing intense activities like sports or rocks climbing. If you want to buy moss agate engagement rings then you should visit moss agate rings.
