Mohs Scale
Devised in 1822 by German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs, the Mohs scale consists of 10 minerals arranged in order from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). Each mineral in the scale will scratch all those below it. The Mohs hardness scale is commonly used, because the minerals are easily obtained.
10 diamond 9 corundum 8 topaz steel file 7 quartz pocket knife,
glass = 5.56 orthoclase,
feldspar5 apatite 4 flourite copper coin = 3
fingernail = 2.53 calcite 2 gypsum,
selenite1 talc Photos by Jeff Thomas, November 29, 2004.
Minerals purchased from DJ Minerals.