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The Hardness Pick Set for Mineralab ID is unique in that, unlike other mineral hardness testing tools that use minerals or crystal points for the "scratch test", Mineralab’s picks are made of metals and alloys of hardness values equal to 2 through 9 on Mohs’ hardness scale. And because the picks are made of metal, they are easily ground to sharp points which will not break off and which can be easily sharpened.
Why measure the hardness of a mineral? Because hardness is an important and quantifiable physical characteristic of a mineral, and in your effort to identify an unknown mineral, the hardness, if known, combined with other properties, can narrow your search to just a handful of possibilities.
How do you use the hardness picks? Simply scratch a smooth surface of your unknown mineral with the picks of various indicated hardness. As an example, if a No. 5 pick scratches the mineral, but a No. 4 pick does not, then your mineral’s hardness is 4.5. Then compare this against the included table of minerals listing hardness values to aid in identifying the unknown mineral.
What is included in the Hardness Pick Set?
Other Features:
Note: This is a very popular product, and makes an excellent gift!
This item typically ships within 1 business day.
Just got into rockhounding and searched everywhere for the best hardness tester. Every person I spoke to recommended the Deluxe Hardness Pick Set from Mineral Lab. Received the set and was not disappointed. Quality product. I would recommend this set to anyone looking for a hardness pick set. The set I bought came in a wood case, the lid to the wood case once removed can be screwed to the back to support the set to keep it upright. They also have a set in a sturdy plastic case if you need to have a more rugged case for out in the field. Paul R. on Feb 20th 2024
Straightforward simple to use easy to understand. Found a unique feature accidentally. While testing a gemstone that had a chipped culet, the color treatment scratched at 7, well before the stone scratched. When I refaceted the culet I found a clear stone at 8.5 not a pink one! John Crocker on Jun 12th 2022
Definitely one of the best hardness testing kits out there. Great quality and super fast delivery to Australia. Eduard Hanekom on Nov 5th 2021
Great quality and fast shipping Unknown on Oct 11th 2021
The Mohs Hardness Testing kit arrived quickly especially as it was posted from USA to Australia. It arrived exactly as described and I have already used it to help identify an unfamiliar rock. I would recommend Mineralab to other rock hounds and I will definitely use the supplier again. Terry Nesbitt on Jul 1st 2021
This is a very well designed set and is well worth the money. They work great! Tina on Jun 6th 2020
I have been using them they work great Ronald P Alexander on Dec 23rd 2019
Never make do with make do tools again. These picks let you test different minerals in different parts of a rock with certainty and ease. No more trying to scratch something with a penny or a knife, no more guessing. This is the second set I’ve bought, this one as a gift for a young university geology student. No one regrets buying good tools. These are _great_ tools. Thomas Farley on Oct 2nd 2019
Quick shipping and quality product. Sara on Jun 4th 2019
Best kit ever! I use it for every examination of concrete, stucco, mortar and (of coarse) rocks and minerals Jon Asselanis on Mar 8th 2019
jeologlar ve gemologlar için çok gerekli bir ürün. teşekkür ederim (A very necessary product for geologists and gemologists. thank you) Ayşe KIZILKAYA on Mar 7th 2019
We just received our order, the quality of the workmanship is exceptional. this is the best looking tool in my shop. high quality workmanship, we recommend to everyone wanting to know more about the hardness of the stones. The hardness stone directory chart for most common minerals is a must appreciated bonus.
A.S., Montreal Canada Alain Simard on Jun 1st 2018
I first heard of this from a friend who has had one for some time. He uses it frequently and says it is a standard for mineral id. I haven't had a chance to use it yet but I will soon. Ron Bice on May 15th 2017