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Toughness vs. Hardness: A Collector’s Guide to Gemstone Durability
韌性 vs. 硬度：寶石耐久性收藏指南
Defining the Terms: Hardness
定義解析：硬度
As defined by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), hardness refers to a gemstone’s resistance to scratches and abrasions.
根據美國寶石學院（GIA）的定義，硬度指的是寶石抵抗刮傷和磨損的能力。
The Mohs scale ranks minerals from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). For example:
莫氏硬度表將礦物分為1級（最軟）至10級（最硬）。例如：
- Diamond (10) can scratch all other gems.
鑽石（10級）可以刮傷所有其他寶石。 - Sapphire and ruby (9) can be scratched by diamonds but will scratch topaz (8), quartz (7), or jade (6–7).
藍寶石和紅寶石（9級）會被鑽石刮傷，但可刮傷托帕石（8級）、石英（7級）或玉石（6–7級）。
Defining the Terms: Toughness
定義解析：韌性
Toughness, per GIA, describes a gem’s resistance to breaking, chipping, or cracking.
根據GIA定義，韌性指寶石抵抗斷裂、崩口或破裂的能力。
Think of a leather shoe: soft (easily scratched) but tough (withstands years of wear). Conversely, glass is hard but shatters easily when dropped.
以皮鞋為例：它質軟（易刮花）但韌性高（耐穿多年）。相反，玻璃硬度高，但掉落時易碎。
Jadeite: The Perfect Balance
翡翠：硬度與韌性的平衡
Jadeite has a hardness of 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale—moderate scratch resistance. For instance, a diamond (hardness 10) can scratch it, but jadeite won’t be damaged by materials softer than itself.
翡翠的莫氏硬度為6.5–7級，具有中等的抗刮傷能力。例如，鑽石（硬度10級）可刮花翡翠，但比翡翠軟的材料不會對其造成損傷。
However, jadeite’s exceptional toughness is what makes it legendary. It resists chipping and breaking so well that ancient cultures used it for tools and weapons. This durability allows artisans to carve intricate designs without fear of cracks.
然而，翡翠卓越的韌性才是其傳奇之處。它極耐崩口和斷裂，因此古人曾用以製作工具和武器。這種耐久性使工匠能雕刻精細紋飾而無需擔心破裂。
Example: Exquisite Jadeite Carving
實例：精雕翡翠觀音
The natural black jadeite Guanyin necklace showcased here exemplifies both toughness and artistry. Guanyin, the goddess of compassion, is carved in meticulous detail—a testament to jadeite’s ability to hold fine features without breaking.
這件天然墨翠觀音項鏈同時展現了韌性與工藝之美。代表慈悲的觀音像細節精緻，證明了翡翠既能承載細膩雕刻，又不易破裂。
Why This Matters for Collectors
對收藏家的意義
- Hardness affects surface preservation: store jadeite separately from harder gems like diamonds.
硬度影響表面保存：需將翡翠與鑽石等較硬寶石分開存放。 - Toughness ensures longevity: jadeite heirlooms withstand generations of wear.
韌性確保耐久性：翡翠傳世品可經受世代佩戴。
Conclusion
結語
While hardness prevents scratches, toughness prevents breaks. Jadeite’s unique combination makes it ideal for both daily wear and artistic mastery—a true treasure in Eastern collectibles.
硬度防刮花，韌性防破裂。翡翠二者兼備，既適合日常佩戴，亦成就工藝極致——是東方收藏中真正的瑰寶。
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