MOHS or Measure of
Hardness Scale
MOHS Scale and Gems vs Minerals: Go
through this activity!
MOHS Story-at bottom of page, click
"Mohs Story"
Hardness |
Mineral |
Associations and Uses |
|
1 |
Talc |
Talcum powder. |
|
2 |
Gypsum |
2.5 fingernail |
Plaster of paris. Gypsum is formed when seawater evaporates
from the EarthÕs surface. |
3 |
Calcite |
3 penny |
Limestone and most shells contain calcite. |
4 |
Fluorite |
Fluorine from fluorite prevents tooth decay. |
|
5 |
Apatite |
5 nail |
Apatite is a mineral in vertebrate bones and teeth. |
6 |
Orthoclase |
6.5 glass |
Orthoclase is a feldspar, and in German, "feld"
means "field". |
7 |
Quartz |
7.5 steel file |
Quartz is the most common mineral in the Earth's crust. |
8 |
Topaz |
The November birthstone. Emerald and aquamarine are
varieties of beryl with a hardness of 8. |
|
9 |
Corundum |
Sapphire and ruby are varieties of corundum. Twice as hard
as topaz. |
|
10 |
Diamond |
Used in
jewelry and cutting tools. Four times as hard as corundum. |