Do Colombian emeralds scratch easily?

If you own an emerald piece of jewelry or are thinking about buying one, you’ve probably asked yourself this question: Do Colombian emeralds scratch easily? And that’s completely normal. When we talk about precious gemstones, we all want to know how resistant they are for everyday wear.

Colombian emeralds are famous worldwide for their deep green color, natural brilliance, and unique elegance. But like any precious gemstone, they have special characteristics you should understand in order to care for them properly. Today, I’ll explain it to you clearly and simply—no complicated technical terms, just useful information.

The Fragility of Colombian Emeralds

Colombian emeralds are precious gemstones, but they are not indestructible. On the Mohs scale (which measures mineral hardness), emerald ranks between 7.5 and 8. That means it is quite resistant, though not as hard as a diamond.

Here’s an important detail many people don’t know: even though emeralds are hard, they can be internally fragile. This is due to their natural inclusions (small internal features formed in the earth over millions of years). These inclusions make each emerald unique, but they can also make the stone slightly more delicate when exposed to strong impacts or improper handling.

Do Colombian Emeralds Scratch Easily?

The short answer is: no, they do not scratch easily under normal conditions—but they can scratch if exposed to harder materials or constant friction.

For example, if you wear your emerald ring every day and it rubs against hard surfaces, other jewelry, or even sand (which contains quartz, a hard mineral), over time it may develop micro-scratches. It’s not that the stone is weak—it simply requires proper care, like any fine jewelry.

The key thing to understand is that a well-cared-for Colombian emerald can last for generations. It’s not a stone to handle carelessly, but it’s not “glass” either. It’s a natural precious gem that deserves respect and proper maintenance.

What to Do If Your Emerald Gets Scratched

If you notice your emerald has a scratch or has lost some of its shine, don’t panic. In many cases, there is a solution. Here are some practical tips:

• Do not try to polish it at home: Abrasive products can make the damage worse.

• Avoid harsh chemicals: Chlorine, aggressive detergents, or cleaners can affect both the stone and the metal.

• Clean it gently: Use lukewarm water, mild soap, and a very soft brush.

• Do not use ultrasonic cleaners: Emeralds should not be cleaned in ultrasonic machines.

• Check the setting: Sometimes the issue isn’t a scratch, but a loose stone.

• Store it separately: Don’t mix it with other jewelry, especially diamonds.

• Avoid strong impacts: Even though it’s hard, a direct blow can damage it.

• Consult a jeweler specialized in emeralds: Not all jewelers handle this type of gemstone properly.

• Schedule periodic maintenance: An annual check-up helps prevent major damage.

Emerald By Love: We Care for Your Emerald

At Emerald By Love, we understand that an emerald is not just a stone… it’s a memory, a story, a special moment. That’s why we offer specialized advice, maintenance, and restoration services for Colombian emeralds.

If your jewelry has lost its shine, has a scratch, or you simply want to make sure it’s in perfect condition, our team can evaluate it and help restore its natural beauty.

Because Colombian emeralds don’t just shine for their color—they shine for what they represent. And when properly cared for, they can stay with you for a lifetime.

Paula A. Bonilla

Social communicator and journalist from Universidad Sergio Arboleda in Colombia. Passionate about continuously learning about precious gemstones and fine national jewelry. Currently works for one of the most important jewelry houses in Bogotá, Emerald by Love. This jewelry company has more than 40 years of experience with emeralds and has two physical stores located in downtown Bogotá, Colombia.