Hardness

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The hardness of a mineral indicates how well it resists scratching and abrasion. It is measured on a numerical scale, from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest):

  1. Talc
  2. Gypsum
  3. Calcite
  4. Fluorite
  5. Apatite
  6. Orthoclase Feldspar
  7. Quartz
  8. Topaz
  9. Corundum
  10. Diamond

Chesterman, p. 27

Sources

  • Chesterman, Charles W. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals, Alfred A. Knopf: New York (1987)