Mohs hardness scale

Product Information

Product Name: Mineralab Mohs Hardness Tester/Hardness Pick Set from USA

Brand: MINERALAB (USA)

Model: Levels 2-9

Specification: DELUXE HARDNESS PICKS (Multi-level Hardness Set)

Dimensions: Approx. 20cm*13cm*4.5cm (L*W*H)

Total Weight: Approx. 0.5KG (Includes red packaging box, four Mohs hardness picks, and auxiliary testing accessories)

Testing Range: Mohs scale 1-10. Note: (Mohs level 1 and level 10 are edge values and do not require testing; above level 9 is level 10, below level 2 is level 1).

Instrument Function: Used for distinguishing Mohs hardness and performing scratch tests on various material surfaces.

I. Advantages: Compared to traditional mineral-type Mohs hardness testers, its greatest advantage is that traditional mineral test tips can easily shatter if improperly held, used with incorrect force during testing, or dropped, rendering that hardness level pick unusable for further testing.

This imported US product uses alloy test tips of different Mohs hardness levels, which are sturdy and durable. During testing or if dropped, the test tips will not shatter, ensuring longevity. The test tips contain no mineral impurities, providing more accurate hardness testing.

II. Commonly used for determining Mohs hardness on surfaces such as daily-use glass, optical glass, mobile phone glass, watch glass, fingerprint lock glass, communication product window glass, sanitary ceramics, art ceramics, marble products, minerals, gemstones, jade artifacts, industrial ceramics, etc.

III. Standard Configuration of Mineralab Mohs Hardness Tester from USA:

1. Four double-ended Mohs hardness picks, calibrated to the following Mohs hardness levels:

Red mark: Levels 2 & 3; Yellow mark: Levels 4 & 5; Green mark: Levels 6 & 7; Blue mark: Levels 8 & 9.

2. Glass hardness scratch plate: Mohs hardness level 5.5. Scratching the test object on this plate quickly distinguishes between hard and soft minerals.

3. Metal hardness scratch plates: Mohs hardness values: Level 3.5 and Level 2.5.

4. Sanding stick: Used to sharpen the tips of the hardness picks when they become dull after prolonged use, maintaining sharpness for testing.

5. White scratch plate: Used for outdoor rock and mineral testing to observe color stratification after scratching, analyzing sedimentary rock colors.

6. Black magnet: Used in rock and mineral exploration to quickly identify magnetic minerals such as magnetite and pyrrhotite.

8. Documentation: User manual, reference table of natural mineral hardness (in English).

The above describes the Mineralab Mohs hardness picks imported from the USA, packaged in a red plastic box.

Operation Method:

This Mohs hardness tester covers a range of levels 1 to 10. The hardness of the test object is determined using the hardness picks with test tips ranging from Mohs levels 2 to 9. The product undergoes destructive scratch testing. If the surface hardness is below level 2, it is rated as Mohs level 1; if the hardness exceeds level 9 after scratch testing, it is rated as Mohs level 10.

The Mineralab Mohs hardness picks imported from the USA include multiple test tips of different hardness levels. Testing can be performed step by step from low to high or high to low hardness levels. After testing, wipe the scratched area with a lint-free cloth or alcohol swab and visually inspect or use a magnifier to check for destructive scratches.

Hold the hardness pick with the same force and angle as normal writing. The Mohs hardness test is independent of force, angle, or direction; it depends on the material's inherent structural hardness. Hold the pick at about 70 degrees to the surface and press the calibrated tip to make a scratch approximately 5-20mm long. For example, if using a level 4-5 (yellow mark) hardness pick, first test with level 4. If no scratch appears, the material's hardness is above level 4. Then test with level 5. If a scratch appears, the material's hardness is at least level 4 but below level 5.

For surfaces that are relatively smooth and dense, slow down the scratching speed and apply slightly more force during testing. Smooth and dense surfaces have lower friction coefficients, causing the test tip to slide easily and potentially fail to make an effective scratch.