measuring hardness

Hardness measures a material's resistance to deformation, scratching, or abrasion. It evaluates how well a substance can withstand wear and pressure. Common scales include Mohs, which ranks minerals from 1 (talc, very soft) to 10 (diamond, very hard), and the Brinell and Rockwell tests, used for metals. In practical terms, hardness affects everyday objects, like how easily a knife scratches a surface or how a material holds up over time. Understanding hardness helps in choosing suitable materials for construction, manufacturing, and everyday items based on their durability and performance.