MOHS SCALE Meaning and
Definition
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The Mohs Scale, named after the German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs, is a system used to measure the hardness of minerals and rocks. It categorizes minerals based on their relative ability to resist scratching. The scale consists of ten minerals, each with a specific hardness level, ranging from 1 (the softest) to 10 (the hardest).
At the bottom of the Mohs Scale is talc, the softest mineral, which can be easily scratched with a fingernail. Gypsum follows with a slightly higher hardness, while calcite follows next. The scale then progresses through minerals such as fluorite, apatite, orthoclase, quartz, topaz, corundum, and finally, diamond - the hardest mineral known to date.
The Mohs Scale serves as a useful tool for mineral identification and comparison. It allows mineralogists and geologists to determine the hardness of an unknown mineral by testing its resistance to abrasion. By gently scratching a mineral with a known hardness, one can determine where it falls on the Mohs Scale. The scale's simplicity and availability have made it a widely used method that can be performed in the field without the need for specialized equipment.
It is important to note that while the Mohs Scale provides valuable information about a mineral's hardness, it does not factor in other properties such as density, color, or transparency. Therefore, it should be used in conjunction with other tests and observations for accurate mineral identification.
Common Misspellings for MOHS SCALE
- nohs scale
- kohs scale
- johs scale
- mihs scale
- mkhs scale
- mlhs scale
- mphs scale
- m0hs scale
- m9hs scale
- mogs scale
- mobs scale
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- mojs scale
- mous scale
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- moha scale
- mohz scale
- mohs scake
Etymology of MOHS SCALE
The word "Mohs Scale" is named after Friedrich Mohs, a German geologist and mineralogist who developed the scale in 1812. The term "Mohs" is simply derived from his last name.
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