Mohs Scale Secrets
Understanding the hardness level of crystals is essential for their care and maintenance. We want our crystals to remain pristine and undamaged for years to come. So let’s discover the secrets of the Mohs hardness scale to help us do that.
What is the Mohs Hardness Scale?
The Mohs hardness scale is a qualitative measure used to determine the scratch resistance of various minerals and crystals. It was developed by German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs in 1812, this scale ranks minerals on a scale of 1 to 10 based on their ability to scratch or be scratched by other substances.
Deciphering the Numbers
Talc (1): Talc is the softest mineral on the Mohs scale and you can easily scratch it with your fingernail.
Gypsum (2): Slightly harder than talc, you can still scratch Gypsum with your fingernail and it is also relatively soft. Selenite is a form of Gypsum.
Calcite (3): Calcite is a common mineral found in Limestone and Marble and you can scratch it with a copper penny.
Fluorite (4): Fluorite is harder than Calcite but you can scratch it with a steel nail.
Apatite (5): Apatite is a phosphate mineral that is slightly harder than Fluorite.
Orthoclase Feldspar (6): Orthoclase Feldspar is a common mineral in igneous and metamorphic rocks and you can scratch it with a steel file.
Quartz (7): Quartz is a relatively hard mineral and cannot be scratched by a steel file.
Topaz (8): Topaz is harder than Quartz and can scratch glass.
Corundum (9): Corundum includes minerals like Ruby and Sapphire and is very hard, second only to Diamond.
Diamond (10): Diamond is the hardest mineral on the Mohs scale and you can use it to scratch all other minerals.
Fun fact: Did you know that Diamonds are not only the hardest natural substance known to humankind but also the oldest? Some Diamonds are estimated to be over 3 billion years old, making them true ancient treasures hidden deep within the Earth’s crust!
Storing Crystals
Now that we understand the Mohs scale, let’s explore how we can use it to help us store our crystals safely.
Group Crystals by Hardness: Sort your crystals into groups based on their hardness level. This will prevent softer crystals from being damaged by harder ones.
Avoid Storing Soft Crystals with Harder Ones: As a general rule of thumb, you should avoid storing soft crystals with harder ones to prevent them being damaged. For example, keep soft crystals like Calcite or Selenite separate from harder ones like Quartz or Corundum.
Use Protective Pouches or Dividers: By storing your crystals in individual pouches or use dividers to keep them separated, you can prevent them from rubbing against each other.
Display with Caution: When displaying your crystals, be mindful of their hardness levels and ensure they are securely mounted or placed to prevent accidental damage.
Handle with Care: When you’re handling your crystals, treat them with care and avoid dropping or banging them against hard surfaces, especially if they are softer on the Mohs scale.
The Mohs hardness scale is a valuable tool for us. When we understand the hardness level of our crystals, we can apply this knowledge to their storage and care. And we can ensure they remain pristine and beautiful for years to come. So, let’s embrace the wisdom of the Mohs scale and continue to cherish our crystal treasures with love and care!
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