Does Platinum Scratch Easily? What You Need to Know

 

As with all other precious metals, you can scratch platinum. The good news is a scratch on platinum doesn’t change the volume of this shiny white-gray metal—it only displaces it. Sometimes, all that’s scratched is the patina, which is the natural coating that develops over time. Read on as the precious metals experts from First National Bullion, the platinum, silver, and gold dealers San Diego collectors rely on for outstanding quality and service, explain more about scratches on platinum and what to do about them.

The Mohs Hardness Scale

The ability of precious metals, routine or average metals, stones, gems, or minerals to resist scratches is based on the Mohs hardness scale. This scale ranges from 0 to 10, with 10 being the highest. A diamond is the only gem to rank a 10 on this scale. Platinum, by comparison, ranks 4 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale. Pure gold falls within a hardness range of only 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs scale, since it’s relatively soft in rare form and can be easily scratched or dented.

Since platinum falls in between gold and diamonds on the scale, it’s a popular choice for jewelry and manufacturing along with many other commercial and consumer uses, since there’s no need to add too many extra alloys to it to get the desired results. It’s also used in the dental industry, since platinum is hypoallergenic and doesn’t cause allergic reactions. Platinum also has unique qualities that make it ideal for certain kinds of glass, like optic glass and fiberglass. While a diamond can’t be scratched, platinum can sustain damage of this nature if it’s scratched by something made from a mineral or metal that ranks higher on the Mohs scale.

Effects of Scratches on Platinum’s Value

If we’re talking about a platinum jewelry piece, scratches can affect value. However, as a precious metal in bar or coin form, scratches don’t impact value, since you’re not losing volume. In other words, the precious metal content doesn’t change, so you still get whatever the full market value is at the time if you decide to sell it.

How to Maintain Your Platinum

Store platinum pieces separately so you don’t scratch them accidentally with other metals. This applies to platinum coins and bars as well. If you have a platinum ring, remove it before you do dishes or similar work. Don’t handle bleach or harsh chemicals when wearing your platinum wedding ring. Although they won’t hurt the platinum, certain chemicals may discolor some of the softer gemstones if you have a platinum piece that’s combined with other stones or precious metals. Be careful with how you handle your platinum pieces if you travel with them or take them out to show collectors or potential buyers.

How to Remove Scratches from Platinum

It’s best to have scratches professionally removed to avoid damaging your platinum jewelry, bars, or coins. If you remove more than the scratches, such as any tarnish or patina, you may affect the value of the piece. You could try using a mild cleaning product or scratch remover. If you do, try it in an unseen spot on your piece first to make sure you don’t discolor your platinum. 

 

Whether they’re veteran platinum collectors or investors looking to buy silver bars, San Diego residents should reach out to the experts at First National Bullion. We offer a huge selection of platinum, gold, and silver items. San Diego collectors who are looking for the finest-quality coins, bars, and bullion should give us a call today to speak with one of our precious metals experts. 


The statements made in this blog are opinions, and past performance is not indicative of future returns. Precious metals, like all investments, carry risk. Precious metals and coins may appreciate, depreciate, or stay the same in cash value depending on a variety of factors. First National Bullion does not guarantee, and its website and employees make no representation, that any metals for sale will appreciate sufficiently to earn the customers a profit. The decision to buy, sell, or borrow precious metals and which precious metals to purchase, borrow, or sell are made at the customer’s sole discretion.