Scratch test

A scratch test is a method used to determine the hardness of a material, typically minerals, by observing how easily one material can scratch another. In this test, a harder substance is used to scratch a softer material. The hardness is often compared using the Mohs scale, which ranks materials from 1 (softest, like talc) to 10 (hardest, like diamond). This simple test helps identify materials based on their resistance to scratching, which is useful in fields like geology, jewelry, and manufacturing. Understanding a material's hardness can inform its practical applications and durability.