Definition

Noun: - A scale of hardness of solids: The Mohs scale is a qualitative ordinal scale that characterizes the scratch resistance of various minerals. It ranks materials from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest), based on the ability of a harder material to scratch a softer one. Talc is the softest at 1, and diamond is the hardest at 10.

Usage

The Mohs scale is used to identify minerals and compare material hardness in geology, mineralogy, and gemology. - Geologists use the Mohs scale to quickly test and identify minerals in the field. - With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, quartz can scratch glass.

Advanced Usage

• "to be on the Mohs scale": to have a defined hardness value according to this system.
  • Fluorite, at a 4 on the Mohs scale, is relatively soft.
• "to test against the Mohs scale": to determine a material's hardness by seeing what it can scratch or what can scratch it.
  • You can test an unknown stone by trying to scratch it with materials of known Mohs scale hardness.

Variants and Related Words

• Mohs hardness (n): The specific hardness value of a material on the Mohs scale.
  • The Mohs hardness of your granite countertop is important for its durability.
• Hardness scale (n): A more general term for any scale measuring hardness, with the Mohs scale being the most famous for minerals.

Synonyms

• Hardness scale: A more general synonym.
• Scratch hardness scale: A descriptive synonym emphasizing the test method.

Related Phrases

• "Ranks a [number] on the Mohs scale": A common phrase to state a material's hardness.
  • Topaz ranks an 8 on the Mohs scale.

Noun

1. a scale of hardness of solids; talc is 0 and diamond is 10; ordering is determined by which substance can scratch another substance