Book 27, Question 78 · Video
How can you test how hard a mineral is?
Try scratching it with common items. A fingernail is about 2.5 on the Mohs scale, a copper coin about 3.5, a steel nail about 5.5, and a piece of window glass about 5.5. If your fingernail can scratch it, it's softer than that. If a nail scratches it but a coin can't, it's in the middle. Always scratch gently, and let a grown-up handle glass.
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How can you test how hard a mineral is?
The Big Idea
Want to know how hard a mineral is? You can test it with everyday things! Let's become hardness detectives.
Testing Tools
Step one: Testing Tools. A fingernail is about 2.5 on the Mohs scale, a copper coin about 3.5, and a steel nail about 5.5. A piece of window glass is about 5.5 too.
Reading Results
Step two: Reading Results. If your fingernail can scratch a mineral, it's softer than 2.5. If a nail scratches it but a coin can't, it's in the middle.
Be Careful
Step three: Be Careful. Always scratch gently, and let a grown-up handle glass. Careful testing protects you and your sample.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Fingernail is 2.5. Coin is 3.5. Nail is 5.5. Glass is 5.5.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! The test is best done on a hidden spot of the sample. Fingernail is 2.5. Coin is 3.5. Grown-ups handle glass.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Use your fingernail to test gypsum, calcite, and quartz samples. Then try a copper coin. Scratch gently. Record who scratches whom. Which is hardest?
Outro
You can test mineral hardness with everyday things: a fingernail is about 2.5, a copper coin about 3.5, and a steel nail about 5.5. Scratch gently, test a hidden spot, and let a grown-up handle glass. Science is amazing! Remember, every big discovery starts with a small question. Keep looking, keep learning, and keep asking why! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!