What test is performed to determine the hardness of a mineral?
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The Rockwell test is very common in laboratories http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockwell_scale
look up the MOHS Hardness scale; it consists of ten minerals ranging from the softest (#1 - talc) to the hardest (#10 - diamond)
harder minerals will scratch softer ones.
a fingernail has a hardness of about 2.5, while a penny's is 3.5
harder minerals will scratch softer ones.
a fingernail has a hardness of about 2.5, while a penny's is 3.5
1 answer