Mohs Hardness Scale Reference
Choose a reference mineral and record whether it scratches the unknown sample. Use observations to narrow an interval between known levels.
Mohs hardness is an ordinal scratch-resistance scale. This result is an interval bounded by reference levels, not a linear conversion or a measurement of strength or service life. Scratch observations alone do not identify a mineral; test carefully and avoid damage.
Reference: USGS, Mohs Hardness Scale (public-domain educational reference).
Relative interval:
A QUICK WALKTHROUGH
How to use this tool
- Reference mineral
- Mohs hardness is an ordinal scratch-resistance scale. This result is an interval bounded by reference levels, not a linear conversion or a measurement of strength or service life. Scratch observations alone do not identify a mineral; test carefully and avoid damage.
- Reference: USGS, Mohs Hardness Scale (public-domain educational reference).
Mohs hardness is an ordinal scratch-resistance scale. This result is an interval bounded by reference levels, not a linear conversion or a measurement of strength or service life. Scratch observations alone do not identify a mineral; test carefully and avoid damage.
Mohs hardness is an ordinal scratch-resistance scale. This result is an interval bounded by reference levels, not a linear conversion or a measurement of strength or service life. Scratch observations alone do not identify a mineral; test carefully and avoid damage. Reference: USGS, Mohs Hardness Scale (public-domain educational reference). https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/mohs-hardness-scale
GOOD TO KNOW
Common questions
Does this identify my mineral?
No. A scratch observation can bound relative hardness only; it cannot identify a mineral.