Q:
What Is the Hardness of Coal?
A:
Quick Answer
The most common type of coal is anthracite, which has a hardness of 2.2 when compared to the Moh's scale of mineral hardness, according to the Ted Pella website. However, since coal is not a mineral, it is not officially measured in this way.
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Full Answer
Generally, the higher the value on the Moh's scale, the harder the material. The Moh's hardness is generally too subjective for anthracite since it does not have a completely uniform internal structure and might be harder or softer in different spots. For example, when a piece of coal fractures, it appears to be softer. The hardest mineral on the scale is the diamond, while the softest is talc.
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