The next step of the identification process involves determining the hardness of your unknown. We will use a couple of simple objects to perform all of the necessary tests; your fingernail (H=2.5), and a glass plate (H=5.5).

First Test
Attempt to scratch your glass plate with your unknown mineral. Scratch your mineral hard against the glass plate.   Sometimes the mineral will powder on the glass plate leaving the impression it scratched it.  You need to be sure it left a definite and permanent scratch.  Rub your finger across the scratch and try to feel if it REALLY left a permanent scratch in the glass. If you were able to scratch the glass, your mineral has a hardness greater than 5.5	If you were able to leave a permanent scratch on the glass plate   H > 5.5 CLICK HERE
Second Test
Try to scratch your unknown mineral with your fingernail. Does it scratch the mineral? If you were able to scratch the mineral with your fingernail, your mineral has a hardness less than 2.5	If you were able to scratch the mineral with your fingernail   H < 2.5   CLICK HERE
Third Test
If you were unable to scratch the mineral with your fingernail AND were unable to scratch a glass plate with your mineral, your mineral has a hardness somewhere between 2.5 and 5.5	2.5 < H < 5.5   CLICK HERE