How to Test a Mineral’s Hardness (Using MOHs Scale)

The MOHs scale is a relative hardness scale used to determine a minerals hardness useful for identification. The harness is one of the most useful mineral properties when identifying minerals, so you’ll want a handy MOHs hardness scale and a mineral reference guide along in the field when you are trying to identify and collect minerals. Every rockhounder should understand the basics of the MOHs scale and how to use it. One important point is also that the MOHs scale is not absolute. Absolute hardness is another property of minerals but harder to use at whim in the field. The MOHS hardness scale is instead more like and index. For example, Quartz is a 7 hardness and Diamond is a 10 hardness on MOHs scale, but in reality Quartz is a much softer mineral than Diamond, much softer than might be perceived from the difference of 7 to 10. The jump in absolute hardness to a Diamond is much bigger.

Want to learn more about geology, rocks, minerals, & crystals? Join me, your geo field guide, on real field adventures. I'll be showing you geologic formation in places primarily across North America, like the incredible red bed geology of Utah, the copper districts of Arizona, the 49ers mining camps of California. I explore old abandoned mines, search for crystals, find radioactive minerals, go fossil hunting, and explore fascinating geologic layers and features like volcanoes and ancient landslides, even glaciers! I am a geology graduate with research emphases in micro paleontology, ancient ecosystem reconstructions, climate change science and paleoecology. I've been living in a truck camper traveling around to localities to bring you virtual field trips when you can't be there. I bring the geology to you! Learn the technical details, geo terminology, and basic geology 101 concepts, in a fun and useful adventures that you can use on your next trip or Rockhounding adventure. Happy Geo Time!

Let's Go Geo!
#Geology #Rockhounding #Crystals #arizona #california #montana #mineral

[allisonjames]

I really like your straightforward & highly informative manner in presenting these. Thank you 😊

[allisonjames]

Thank you 😊 I keep collecting rocks I find interesting that I’m super interested in identifying on a hobby basis, but even though I’ve joined my lapidary club, they’re more interested in known gems & semi precious gems. And there’s zilch info I can find online about anything that isn’t a known precious or lucrative mineral in my region In Australia. Well actually, there’s one article but it’s not helpful. So even just knowing that I can search min dat using what I can identify is awesome. Thank you. Hopefully I’ll be able to contribute to the knowledge of the geology of the Capricorn Coast In Australia 😊 PS nothing wrong with being a nerd - I’m pretty sure all rockhounders are at heart 🤷‍♀️ Also I was thinking of whether a digital microscope was worth it & it appears it may be. So thanks for that too. Shame our local libraries aren’t able to have electron microscopes available for use 🤔 Mind you, mine bought iPads to loan so maybe…

[thegreentiger]

I have some stones that can't be scratched by corundum even by diamond. I have no idea what stones they are. They do not seem like diamond at all. I have just uploaded the testing video.

[amirsohail]

She was scratching minerals with finger nails and had them so dirty.