What is the Mohs hardness for Apatite?

Prepare for the JH Academic Bowl. Engage with a vast collection of flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Ace your competition!

Multiple Choice

What is the Mohs hardness for Apatite?

Explanation:
Hardness on the Mohs scale is determined by scratch resistance: a mineral that can scratch another is harder, and it can be scratched by minerals that are harder. Apatite sits between softer minerals and harder minerals, placing it in the middle of the scale. That middle position corresponds to five. So, Apatite’s Mohs hardness is five: it can scratch softer minerals, but it can be scratched by harder ones.

Hardness on the Mohs scale is determined by scratch resistance: a mineral that can scratch another is harder, and it can be scratched by minerals that are harder. Apatite sits between softer minerals and harder minerals, placing it in the middle of the scale. That middle position corresponds to five. So, Apatite’s Mohs hardness is five: it can scratch softer minerals, but it can be scratched by harder ones.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy