Durability, amethyst vs aqua?

[cwt5770]

I know aquamarine is slightly harder on the MOH's scale, but does it really make that much of a difference?
Which stone would hold up better over time?

Also, aren't there other factors to consider, like a stone's brittleness?

Thinking of either amethyst in rose gold or aquamarine in rose gold for a right-hand-ring that would be worn pretty frequently.
At least several days out of the week!

Thanks for any input!

 

[movie zombie]

aqua may be harder per MOH but it also fractures quite easily so one cannot always just rely upon the MOH number.

i wore an aqua for years with no issues....until one day i hit it just the wrong way and had a big chip as a result. might get it recut one day......

much will also depend on the setting. some provide more protection than others.

high quality aqua will cost more per carat than amethyst.

i also had a amethyst cab that i wore for years w/o incident.

 

[JewelFreak]

I have an heirloom amethyst ring, prong-set fairly high, that I wore for years almost every day. Never had a problem with it & it still looks fine. Have other rings I prefer now, and my fingers...ahem...outgrew it, so will probably hand it down to a niece, but it survived daily wear for a long time. My grandmother wore it before I did. Never had an aqua, so can't compare, but MZ's experience is similar to others I've heard -- she's right, though, the setting makes a difference.

--- Laurie

 

[chrono]

MOH does not tell the entire story, there are also other factors to consider such as brittleness, cleavage, heat sensitivity and the like. In this particular case, brittleness of the aquamarine might become an issue depending on how open the setting is, exposing the stone to possible chipping. The other positive point in favour of the amethyst is that they are less expensive to replace.

 

[movie zombie]

when i say i wore the aqua ring for years w/o incident, that included high school. no issues for +20 years......until that fateful day.
and i am not easy on things. i "talk" with my hands and that is what got me into trouble with the aqua.....have always "talked" with my hands but that was one time too many, i guess.

remember: any stone including sapphire and diamond will chip or crack.....just less likely to do so. however, it can be done. they are not immune to damage but certainly more "resistant".

another example of a stone that i love but avoid is emerald because it has cleavage issues and can fracture very very easily.

the world of aquas is more complicated than that of amethysts. the color differences can make a huge difference re price. a well cut, fine crystal, top color aqua could break one's beer budget.....unless you have a champagne budget it will be a trade off re what you're willing to give up or live with.

with amethyst there are color differences but even high quality amethyst can be had for a fraction of what fine aqua costs.

research research research.....oh, and i hate how much aqua is for sale that is windowed. i think windowed aqua is one of my worst nightmares. i'd rather have colored glass....which is what much aqua for sale these days looks like these days.

add perhaps to your list green quartz.....depending on the look you desire.