| LAP MATERIAL | MOHS | 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 ofThe International Gem Society
IGS Newsletter