MOHS SCALE OF HARDNESS


1.
What is Mohs hardness?

The Mohs hardness scale is a measurement of a mineral’s hardness against ten reference minerals.

2.
How is it measured?

The Mohs hardness scale identifies mineral hardness through a scratch test against ten reference minerals.
A sharp point of one specimen is against an unmarked reference specimen in an attempt to produce a scratch. The test specimen will be measured against all reference materials until a scratch isn’t produced.

3.
Why is Mohs hardness important?

The Mohs hardness scale is a measurement of a mineral’s hardness against ten reference minerals.