WHAT IS HARDER THAN A DIAMOND?

When it comes to measuring the hardness of minerals, the Mohs scale has long been the standard reference. This scale, developed by Friedrich Mohs in 1812, assigns a hardness value to various minerals based on their ability to scratch or be scratched by other materials.

While diamonds sit atop the scale with a perfect score of 10, there exist a handful of lesser-known minerals that surpass diamonds in terms of hardness and durability. But before we explore some of these remarkable minerals, let’s take a look at the moh’s scale used by jewelers today:

The Mohs Scale of Hardness is:

1:	Talc	6:	Feldspar
2:	Gypsum	7:	Quartz
3:	Calcite	8:	Topaz
4:	Fluorite	9:	Corundum
5:	Apatite	10:	Diamond

Now let’s delve into minerals that are actually harder…

Rated 10+ on the Mohs scale, we’ll take a peek at the mostly unknown minerals and their extraordinary properties:

1. Lonsdaleite:

Lonsdaleite, also known as hexagonal diamond, is a rare form of diamond that exhibits a unique crystal structure. It is composed of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, unlike the cubic lattice structure of regular diamonds. This distinct arrangement gives lonsdaleite superior hardness, making it even harder than natural diamonds. Though it is not as well-known as conventional diamonds, lonsdaleite is highly coveted for specialized industrial applications due to its exceptional hardness.

2. Wurtzite Boron Nitride:

Wurtzite Boron Nitride (WBN) is an extremely hard and durable mineral that can surpass diamonds on the Mohs scale. This synthetic material is composed of boron and nitrogen atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice structure. WBN possesses remarkable thermal stability, excellent wear resistance, and high lubricity. These exceptional properties make it a preferable choice for various industrial applications, including cutting tools, grinding wheels, and protective coatings.

3. Rhenium Diboride:

Rhenium Diboride (ReB₂) is an intermetallic compound that exhibits an incredibly high level of hardness. With a hardness value exceeding that of diamonds, ReB₂ is renowned for its remarkable resistance to wear, oxidation, and chemical corrosion. This material finds applications in extreme environments and high-temperature conditions, such as aerospace components, cutting tools, and electrical contacts.

4. Ultrahard Fullerite:

Fullerite, a molecular form of carbon, is typically associated with graphite and other soft carbon allotropes. However, under extreme pressure, fullerenes can transform into an ultrahard form of fullerite. This compressed fullerite exhibits exceptional hardness, rivaling that of diamonds. Although the exact structure and properties of ultrahard fullerite are still being studied, its potential applications in the fields of nanotechnology, electronics, and material science are highly promising.

So you see, although diamonds have long been celebrated as the epitome of hardness, several lesser-known minerals have managed to surpass them on the Mohs scale. Lonsdaleite, Wurtzite Boron Nitride, Rhenium Diboride, and Ultrahard Fullerite are just a few examples of minerals that exhibit extraordinary hardness and durability.

These exceptional materials have found their niche in various industries, pushing the boundaries of what was once considered the pinnacle of hardness. But this hardness is not really needed in the jewelry industry. Yet!

As scientific advancements continue, we can look forward to uncovering even more minerals that challenge our perception of hardness and pave the way for groundbreaking applications in engineering and technology.

Cheers! :)