Mineral hardness refers to a mineral's resistance to scratching and is commonly measured using the Mohs scale. This scale ranks minerals from 1 to 10, with talc at 1 (very soft) and diamond at 10 (extremely hard). Each mineral can scratch those below it on the scale, providing a simple way to compare their hardness. Understanding mineral hardness is important in various fields, including geology and materials science. It helps identify minerals and assess their suitability for different applications, such as construction or jewelry. Harder minerals are often more durable and resistant to wear, making them valuable in many industries.