to make a solution of, as by mixing with a liquid; pass into solution: to dissolve salt in water. to melt; liquefy: to dissolve sugar into syrup. to undo (a tie or bond); break up (a connection, union, etc.). to break up (an assembly or organization); dismiss; disperse.
The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is based on the ability of one natural sample of mineral to scratch another mineral visibly. The samples of matter used by Mohs are all different minerals. Minerals are pure substances found in nature. Rocks are made up of one or more minerals.
Mineral hardness is one of the most useful mineral characteristics which, once you get used to it, is quite easy to measure. It refers to the mineral's resistance to being scratched-not its resistance to being broken. Experienced geologists use a scraper which gives them quite a good idea of a mineral's hardness.