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Mohs Hardness Scale

mohs hard·​ness scale | ˈmōz ˈhärd-nəs skāl

noun

A qualitative scale characterizing scratch resistance of various minerals through the ability of harder material to scratch softer material

The Mohs hardness scale is used to characterize the relative hardness of different types of minerals based on their scratch resistance on a scale of 1 to 10. The scale is defined by ten minerals and their resistance to damage and any other object can then be compared to these ten items to identify its Mohs hardness scale rating. The scale was created in 1812 by Friedrich Mohs to provide an objective means of identifying and evaluating the hardness of stones. The scale includes the following types of minerals and their hardness rating: It includes Talc (1), Gypsum (2), Calcite (3), Fluorite (4), Apatite (5), Orthoclase (6), Quartz (7), Topaz (8), Corundum (9), Diamond (10).