MOH's Hardness scale
What is the MOH's Hardness Scale?
The MOH's hardness scale was created by a mineralogist named Friedrich Mohs. It is based on ten minerals that are rated 1-10 - from softest (1) to the hardest (10) these minerals are then used to identify the hardness of other minerals by their ability to scratch the mineral in question. If the surface of the mineral is able to be scratched then it is softer than the mineral used to scratch it, if not then it is harder.
The MOH's Hardness Scale
- Talc
- Gypsum
- Calcite
- Fluorite
- Apatite
- Orthoclase (Feldspar)
- Quartz
- Topaz
- Corundum (Ruby/Sapphire etc)
- Diamond
What does the MOH's rating of a crystal tell us?
The hardness rating of a crystal gives us an idea of how we can care for and look after it - for example if our crystal is a # 3 on the hardness scale then we will need to make sure we do not immerse it in water and ensure it is displayed in a dry place. It also lets us know what will scratch it - for example we may choose to keep our softer crystals seperate from our harder crystals as the harder crystals may scratch them.
If you like to work with crystals by placing them in your drinking water or bath then always check the hardness rating first and only use crystals that are a # 6 or above.