Here's why:
* Mohs Hardness Scale: This scale measures a mineral's resistance to scratching. It ranks minerals from 1 (softest, like talc) to 10 (hardest, like diamond).
* Crystal Shape (Habit): This refers to the external form or shape of a mineral crystal. It's determined by the arrangement of atoms within the crystal lattice.
In summary:
* Mohs hardness is about the resistance to scratching.
* Crystal habit is about the external shape.
To identify the crystal shape of a mineral, scientists use other tools and methods, such as:
* Optical Microscopy: This allows scientists to examine the internal structure of the mineral.
* X-ray Diffraction: This technique provides information about the arrangement of atoms within the crystal lattice, which helps determine its shape.
* Crystallography: This is the study of crystal structures and their properties.
