Which scale is used to compare mineral hardness by assessing scratch resistance?

Which scale is used to compare mineral hardness by assessing scratch resistance?

• A. Mohs Hardness Scale
• B. Richter Scale
• C. Beaufort Scale
• D. Celsius Scale

Answer: (A)

Hardness in minerals is determined by scratch resistance. The Mohs Hardness Scale ranks minerals from softest to hardest based on which substances can scratch others. If a mineral can scratch another, it’s harder; if it’s scratched, it’s softer. On this scale, the softest mineral is talc and the hardest is diamond, giving a simple, ordinal guide from 1 to 10 that's handy for quick identification in the field or lab. It was created by Friedrich Mohs and remains a standard because it uses easily observed scratch tests with common minerals. The other scales measure different things: the Richter Scale for earthquake strength, the Beaufort Scale for wind speed, and the Celsius Scale for temperature.

Hardness in minerals is determined by scratch resistance. The Mohs Hardness Scale ranks minerals from softest to hardest based on which substances can scratch others. If a mineral can scratch another, it’s harder; if it’s scratched, it’s softer. On this scale, the softest mineral is talc and the hardest is diamond, giving a simple, ordinal guide from 1 to 10 that's handy for quick identification in the field or lab. It was created by Friedrich Mohs and remains a standard because it uses easily observed scratch tests with common minerals. The other scales measure different things: the Richter Scale for earthquake strength, the Beaufort Scale for wind speed, and the Celsius Scale for temperature.