what test is performed to determine the hardness of a mineral
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http://realgar.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/aaim/linear/
The test performed to determine the hardness of a mineral is called the Mohs hardness test. This test measures the resistance of a mineral to scratching by a set of standard reference minerals. Here is how you can perform the Mohs hardness test:
1. Obtain a set of standard minerals with known hardness levels, typically consisting of minerals like talc, gypsum, calcite, fluorite, apatite, orthoclase feldspar, quartz, topaz, corundum, and diamond. Each of these minerals has a specific hardness level on the Mohs scale.
2. Start by attempting to scratch the mineral of unknown hardness using the reference minerals from the set, beginning with the softest mineral first (talc). If the mineral is scratched by the reference mineral, move on to the next in the set until you find the one that does not scratch the mineral.
3. Once you find the reference mineral that does not scratch the mineral under test, compare their hardness levels in accordance with the Mohs scale. The hardness of the unknown mineral can be determined by knowing the hardness of the reference mineral.
4. Repeat the test on different areas of the mineral to ensure consistency if needed. Note that the hardness of a mineral is a property of the mineral itself and not affected by the size or shape of the mineral sample.
It is worth noting that the Mohs scale is a relative scale and does not provide a quantitative measurement of hardness. Each mineral on the Mohs scale can scratch minerals with a lower hardness number but will be scratched by minerals with a higher hardness number.