The Moh's scale of hardnessFriedrich Mohs observed that some minerals scratch the surface of other minerals while others do not. If it scratches that mineral, then it is of equal hardness or harder than that mineral, otherwise it is softer then that mineral. It uses ten reference minerals. Diamond, the hardest mineral, scratches surfaces of all the others, Talc the softest, scratches none. 10 - Can only be scratched by a diamond: Diamond 9 - Scratches glass: (Ruby & Sapphire) 8 - Scratches glass: (Topaz & Alexandrite, Cubic Zirconia) 7 - Scratches glass: (Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Emerald, Tourmaline, Aquamarine & Quartz) 6 - Can be scratched by a steel file: (Moonstone, Peridot, Tanzanite, Sircon, Jade & Onyx) 5 - Can be scratched by a knife: (Turquoise, Opal, Lapis Lazuli, Hematite) 4 - Can be easily scratched by a knife: (Malachite, Jet, Flourite, Rhodochrosite) 3 - Can be scratched by a coin: (Pearl, Coral) 2 - Can be scratched by a fingernail: (Amber, Ivory, Alabaster) 1 - Can be easily scratched by a fingernail: (Talc, Soapstone, Sulphur) Gold has a hardness of 2.5 to 3 on the Moh's Scale.
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