The Mohs scale of mineral hardness, named after Friedrich Mohs, is a numerical scale used to determine the relative hardness or scratch resistance of various minerals. It is a qualitative scale ranging from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the hardest mineral. The scale is based on the ability of minerals to scratch each other.
Each level on the Mohs scale corresponds to a specific mineral or substance, which is commonly used as a standard reference. For instance, talc, the softest mineral, is assigned a hardness value of 1 on the scale, while diamond, the hardest mineral, is assigned a hardness value of 10. In between these extremes, there are minerals like gypsum (2), calcite (3), fluorite (4), and quartz (7), among others.
The scale serves as a useful tool for scientists, geologists, and jewelers to identify and compare minerals based on their hardness. To determine the hardness of a mineral, a scratch test is performed by trying to scratch it with minerals of known hardness. If a mineral can be scratched by a material with a higher hardness value but not by a material with a lower hardness value, its hardness is determined.
The Mohs scale of mineral hardness provides a standardized system for comparing the scratch resistance of minerals and is widely recognized and used in various fields related to minerals and gemstones.
