Friedrich Mohs harder. This became the basis of the hardness scale developed by Mohs. The hardest mineral, diamond was given a value of 10 and softer minerals such as talc were given the very low value of 1 (unity). Other minerals were given intermediate values, depending on their ability to scratch another mineral in the scale. Thus gypsum was given the value 2 because it will scratch talc crystals, and calcite the value 3 because it will scratch gypsum. Minerals are also now classified by chemical characteristics, but the physical properties are still useful in field examination. In 1812, Mohs became a
Emerald Lingam Emerald Lingam Emerald Lingams are established in many Hindu Temples in Tamil nadu. Emerald (Tamil: மரகதம்)is a variety of the mineral beryl (BeAl(SiO)) colored green by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. The hardness of Beryl is 7.5–8 on the 10 point Mohs scale of mineral hardness. The toughness (resistance to breakage)of Emerald is classified as generally poor, hence most emeralds are highly included. Emerald is a green gemstone. Emerald means the shade of green color. Because of its green color, the term Emerald is employed. Emerald is also associated with the eighth planet Mercury in the Solar System.