What Is the Mohs Scale?
The Mohs scale ranks minerals from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest) based on which minerals can scratch others. A mineral can scratch anything below it on the scale.
The Hardest and Softest Minerals
- Talc — the softest; can be scratched with a fingernail
- Gypsum
- Calcite — the main mineral in marble
- Fluorite
- Apatite
- Feldspar — a major mineral in granite
- Quartz — in granite, quartzite and engineered quartz
- Topaz
- Corundum — ruby and sapphire
- Diamond — the hardest
For reference, a steel knife is about 5.5 and glass about 5.5–6.
Where Countertop Materials Rank
| Material | Approximate Mohs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quartzite | 7 | Very hard natural stone |
| Engineered quartz | ~7 | Hardness from quartz content |
| Granite | 6–7 | Very scratch-resistant |
| Porcelain | ~7 | Very hard surface |
| Slate | 3–4 | Softer, scratches more |
| Marble | 3 | Soft, scratches and etches |
| Travertine/limestone | 3–4 | Soft and porous |
| Soapstone | 1–2 | Very soft |
What Hardness Means in Practice
Stones above about 6 resist scratching from steel knives and utensils. Granite, quartzite, quartz and porcelain therefore stay looking new much longer in busy kitchens. Marble and softer stones can be scratched by grit, ceramics and steel — though they can also be repolished.
Hardness Isn't Everything
Hard stones can still chip at sharp edges, because hardness is different from toughness. Heat resistance, porosity and acid resistance also matter. For example, quartz is very hard but heat-sensitive, while marble is soft but handles heat well.
Best Countertop Choices for Hardness
- Granite: hard, heat-resistant and economical — FB Marble's top recommendation for busy kitchens.
- Quartzite: hard and marble-like, but premium.
- Quartz: hard and non-porous; protect from heat.
- Porcelain: hard and heat-resistant; careful with edges.
Why Choose FB Marble?
With 25+ years of experience, local and imported stock, in-house fabrication and installation, FB Marble & Granite is a trusted name for stone in Lahore and across Pakistan. WhatsApp +92 323 4148908 or visit fbmarble.com to start your project.
