How do geologists determine the hardness of a mineral?
geology.utah.gov/map-pub/survey-notes/glad-you-asked/how-do-geologists-identify-minerals/#:~:text=A%20numerical%20value%20for%20hardness,knife%20blade%2C%20etc.).
From Internet:
Hardness is measured by the resistance which a smooth surface offers to abrasion. The degree of hardness is determined by observing the comparative ease or difficulty which which one mineral is scratched by another.
add in h t tps// at the start and then go to that
No spaces
Why didn't you just search it up?? Do you not have google or is that like cheating in your class?
Oh hi, PsyDAG! Ty for helping me on my other question btw :)
Geologists use various methods to determine the hardness of a mineral. One widely used method is known as the Mohs Scale of Hardness. Here's how geologists use this scale to determine the hardness of a mineral:
1. Obtain a set of minerals with known hardness values: A set of 10 minerals, ranging from the softest to the hardest, is typically used. This set includes minerals such as talc, gypsum, calcite, fluorite, apatite, feldspar, quartz, topaz, corundum, and diamond.
2. Perform a scratch test: Take the mineral in question and try to scratch it against each mineral of known hardness. Start with the softest mineral, talc (hardness of 1), and continue until a scratch is made. Note that the mineral being tested should not scratch a mineral with a lower hardness but should scratch a mineral with a higher hardness.
3. Compare the scratch test results: By comparing the scratch test results to the known hardness values of the minerals, geologists can determine the approximate hardness of the mineral being tested. For example, if a mineral successfully scratches fluorite but is scratched by apatite, its hardness would be between 4 and 5 on the Mohs Scale.
It is important to note that while the Mohs Scale of Hardness provides a general indication of a mineral's hardness, it is not a precise measurement. For more accurate measurements, advanced techniques such as the Vickers hardness test or the Rockwell hardness test may be used.