1. MOH’S HARDNESS SCALE Rules for testing and identifying the hardness of minerals

2. How it works Hardness is the resistance of a mineral to scratching. Hardness IS NOT how easily a mineral is broken. We determine the RELATIVE hardness of minerals using a scale called the Moh’s hardness scale. The scale assigns hardness to 10 common index minerals based on their ability to scratch one another.

3. The Important Part Moh’s Hardness ScaleItems used for testing

4. 1 Talc

5. 2 Gypsum

6. 2.5 Fingernail

7. 3 Calcite

8. 3.5 Penny

9. 4 Fluorite

10. 4.5 Nail

11. 5 Apatite

12. 5.5 Glass

13. 6 Feldspar

14. 6.5 Steel File

15. 7 Quartz

16. 7 Streak Plate

17. 8 Topaz

18. 9 Corundum

19. 10 Diamond