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Welcome to Gemyard, your interactive guide to understanding mineral and gem hardness using the Mohs scale. Explore the durability of minerals like diamond, quartz, and talc through our dynamic chart, designed to educate geology enthusiasts, students, and professionals. Learn how the Mohs scale measures mineral hardness and discover fascinating facts about each mineral’s properties and uses.
The Mohs scale of mineral hardness, developed by Friedrich Mohs in 1812, ranks minerals based on their ability to scratch one another. Ranging from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest), this scale is a key tool in geology for identifying minerals. Gemyard visualizes this scale with an interactive chart, showcasing minerals like talc (1) to diamond (10), along with additional minerals like gold and copper.
Below is a detailed list of minerals featured in Gemyard’s interactive chart, including their Mohs hardness, crystal structure, and practical applications.
| Mineral | Mohs Hardness | Crystal Structure | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Talc | 1.0 | Platy | Softest mineral, used in baby powder and cosmetics. |
| Gypsum | 2.0 | Tabular | Commonly used in drywall and plaster. |
| Calcite | 3.0 | Rhombohedral | Found in limestone and marble. |
| Apatite | 5.0 | Hexagonal | Found in teeth and bones. |
| Orthoclase | 6.0 | Monoclinic | Common in granite, used in ceramics. |
| Quartz | 7.0 | Hexagonal | Used in watches and electronics due to its piezoelectric properties. |
| Topaz | 8.0 | Orthorhombic | A gemstone, often blue, used in jewelry. |
| Corundum | 9.0 | Hexagonal | Includes rubies and sapphires, used in abrasives. |
| Diamond | 10.0 | Cubic | Hardest known mineral, used in cutting tools and jewelry. |
| Iron | 4.25 | Cubic | Essential for steel production. |
| Galena | 2.5 | Cubic | Primary ore of lead, used in batteries. |
| Gold | 2.5 | Cubic | Valued for jewelry and electronics. |
| Silver | 2.5 | Cubic | Used in jewelry, silverware, and electronics. |
| Copper | 3.0 | Cubic | Used in electrical wiring and plumbing. |
| Titanium | 6.0 | Hexagonal | Known for strength and corrosion resistance, used in aerospace. |
Hover or tap on a mineral in the chart above to reveal its Mohs hardness and a fun fact. The chart adapts to your screen, displaying minerals vertically on mobile devices and horizontally on desktops. Explore the crystal structures and learn about their geological significance!
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