Here's how it works:
* The Scale: The Mohs scale consists of ten minerals arranged in order of increasing hardness, from talc (softest) to diamond (hardest).
* Scratch Test: To test a mineral's hardness, a geologist will attempt to scratch it with a known mineral from the Mohs scale.
* Relative Hardness: If the unknown mineral can be scratched by the known mineral, it is softer. If the unknown mineral scratches the known mineral, it is harder.
Here's an example:
* If a mineral can be scratched by a fingernail (hardness of 2.5), it is softer than a fingernail.
* If a mineral can scratch glass (hardness of 5.5), it is harder than glass.
Important Note: The Mohs scale is a relative scale, meaning it only compares the hardness of one mineral to another. It doesn't provide an absolute measurement of hardness.
