Which substances are harder than apatite, but softer than corundum?

What is the hardness scale used to measure the hardness of minerals?

A. Moh's scale

B. Vickers scale

C. Rockwell scale

D. Brinell scale

Moh's scale

Moh's scale is used to measure the hardness of minerals. It ranks minerals based on their scratch resistance against another mineral.

Minerals come in various hardness levels, and Moh's scale helps in determining where they stand in comparison to each other. This scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest (Talc) and 10 being the hardest (Diamond).

When comparing the hardness of minerals, it is crucial to consider the bonding attraction between atoms and the size of the atoms present in the mineral. This affects how resistant the mineral is to scratching. Apatite falls in between the hardness of fluorite and topaz, making topaz and quartz the substances harder than apatite but softer than corundum.

Understanding the hardness of minerals is essential in various fields, including geology, jewelry making, and material science. It helps in identifying and distinguishing different minerals based on their physical properties.