Mohs scale

(mōz)

  1. an arbitrary scale used to indicate relative hardness, arranged in 10 ascending degrees: 1, talc; 2, gypsum; 3, calcite; 4, fluorite; 5, apatite; 6, orthoclase; 7, quartz; 8, topaz; 9, corundum; 10, diamond
  2. a modification of this scale, retaining its first six minerals and continuing: 7, pure silica glass; 8, quartz; 9, topaz; 10, garnet; 11, fused zircon; 12, corundum; 13, silicon carbide; 14, boron carbide; 15, diamond

Origin: after F. Mohs (1773-1839), Ger mineralogist

See Mohs scale in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
A scale for classifying minerals based on relative hardness, determined by the ability of harder minerals to scratch softer ones. The scale includes the following minerals, in order from softest to hardest: 1. talc; 2. gypsum; 3. calcite; 4. fluorite; 5. apatite; 6. orthoclase; 7. quartz; 8. topaz; 9. corundum; 10. diamond.

Origin:

Origin: After Friedrich Mohs (1773-1839), German mineralogist

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