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  • Understanding the Mohs Hardness Scale: Uses & Applications
    The Mohs scale of hardness is a qualitative measure of the scratch resistance of minerals. It is based on the ability of one mineral to scratch another. The scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 10 being the hardest.

    The Mohs scale is used to identify minerals in the field. For example, if a mineral can scratch glass (which has a Mohs hardness of 5.5), then it is harder than glass and has a Mohs hardness of at least 6.

    The Mohs scale is also used to test the hardness of materials other than minerals. For example, it can be used to test the hardness of metals, plastics, and ceramics.

    Here are some common minerals and their Mohs hardness:

    * Talc - 1

    * Gypsum - 2

    * Calcite - 3

    * Fluorite - 4

    * Apatite - 5

    * Feldspar - 6

    * Quartz - 7

    * Topaz - 8

    * Corundum - 9

    * Diamond - 10

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