Question

Compare the hardness of gypsum to an everyday substance. (site 3)

Answer 1

Gypsum can be scratched by a fingernail, glass, any coin, nail, or drill. Gypsum has a hardness equivalent to drywall or a chalkboard.

Answer 2

Hardness is the opposition that materials offer to alterations such as penetration, abrasion, scratching, shearing, and permanent deformations among others. During the course of history, during the study and classification of minerals, there was a moment when it became pertinent to establish a method that would allow to discern the different degrees of hardness of rocks and minerals.