Tag: Mohs hardness scale

Over 6,000 mineral species are currently recognized by the International Mineralogical Association, each possessing a unique set of properties. This diversity raises the central question of how are minerals different from each other, which geologists answer by examining intrinsic chemical composition and crystal structure.

Over 4,000 different mineral species exist on Earth, each with a unique set of properties. Understanding the major features of the minerals is crucial for geologists and anyone interested in the natural world, as these characteristics determine a mineral's identity, formation, and uses. This guide will explain the key characteristics that define a mineral.

The Mohs hardness scale, a simple yet effective tool for mineral identification, uses a ranking of 1 to 10 to measure scratch resistance. At the seventh position on this scale sits quartz, a mineral so common and widespread that it is found in nearly every type of geological environment.