How Hard is Platinum Compared to Steel, Gold, and Sterling Silver?

When selecting jewelry, the hardness of the metal is a crucial factor that affects durability and wear. Let's explore how platinum stands up against other popular metals like steel, gold of different purities, and sterling silver.

Platinum: Known for its prestige and brilliance, platinum has a Mohs hardness of 3.5. It's resistant to wear and tarnish, making it ideal for jewelry that lasts generations. Although softer than some metals, its high density means it maintains shape and luster very well.

Steel: Varied in its forms, steel's hardness can range from 4.5 for low carbon steel, typical of structural materials, to 7.5 for high carbon steel, often used in cutting tools. This makes steel exceptionally durable but less commonly used in fine jewelry due to its potential for corrosion unless properly treated.

Gold: The purity of gold affects its hardness. 24K gold, being the purest form, has a Mohs hardness of only 2.5, making it very soft and prone to scratching. It's often alloyed to create harder variations such as 18K (2.75), 14K (3.0), and 10K (3.5), which are more suitable for daily wear.

Sterling Silver: Comprised of 92.5% silver, sterling silver has a hardness of about 2.7 on the Mohs scale. It's harder than pure silver due to the addition of copper, making it more suitable for jewelry that withstands everyday use, yet it still requires regular polishing to prevent tarnish.

At Robinson's Jewelers, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of jewelry options in these various metals, each providing unique benefits depending on your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you are drawn to the luxurious appeal of platinum, the robustness of steel, the classic allure of gold, or the bright versatility of sterling silver, we have something to match every taste.