LAP MATERIALS
A tabel of Lap Materials, Compliments of The International Gem Society. These figures are approximate and are put together for your general reference.
LAP MATERIAL | MOH'S | COMMENTS |
Ceramic | 9 | Aluminum Oxide |
Anodized Aluminum | 6.5 | Electrolytic coat |
Steel | 5 to 8.5 | . |
Cast Iron | 5 | . |
Corian | 4 | Methal methacrylate plastic |
Copper | 3 | . |
Zink | 2.5 | . |
Plexiglass, Lucite | 2 | Acrylic Plastic |
Type Metal | 2 | Lead, tin, antimony, copper |
Pewter | 2 | Lead, tin and variables |
Metallized Resin | 1.9 | Metal pelets in resin |
Type Metal | 1.8 | Tin and variables |
Tin | 1.7 | . |
Mylar | 1.6 | Polyester plastic |
Acetate | 1.6 | . |
Lead | 1.5 | . |
Polyurithane | 1.5 | . |
Vinyl | 1 | . |
Beeswax/carnuba | 0.3 | . |
Beeswax | 0.2 | . |
Note: These figures are approximate and are put together for your general reference.
The Moh's scale is really not appropriate for metals or polymers, because it is based on what scratches what in inelastic materials.
A deformable material like metal is measured by the displacement of the metal by a diamond point or a ball, as in the Rockwell or Brinell system. Polymers are usually measured by Shore Durometer, which also measures the deflection of a point under a force.
LAP MATERIALS
Compliments of The International Gem Society
International Gem Society
Related Articles
Determining C Axis on Topaz
Quartz Polishing Survey Results
Gemray or GemrayX Head Shadow
Umba Sapphire Parcel Colors
Latest Articles
Basic Business Rules: Buying Rough
Peridot Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Traditional Diamond Cut Grading Methods
Cutting a 294-ct Trilliant Morganite: An Interview with Steve Moriarty
Never Stop Learning
When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.
Get Gemology Insights
Get started with the International Gem Society’s free guide to gemstone identification. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist!