Metamorphic rocks are the hardest rock on Earth because they form under high heat and pressure. Minerals and rocks are different as diamond is the hardest mineral on earth due to its peculiar carbon structure. It is impossible to scratch the diamond with softer materials.
It is also crucial to know that minerals and rocks are the same. There are some differences as rocks consist of minerals.
The mineral is a crystalline substance in the solid state with specific chemical and physical properties.
Which Is the Hardest Rock on Earth?
Metamorphic rocks are the hardest rocks on Earth.
Metamorphic rocks form under some heat and a lot of pressure.
Pressure is the biggest contributor to Metamorphic Rock formation.
Metamorphic rocks do not melt like igneous rocks.
The atoms and molecules of these rocks come together for a denser structure.
Metamorphic rocks are more durable than other rocks because molecules do not have large empty spaces.
Some igneous rocks are also hard due to the melting process.
Granite is an example of igneous rock with a high level of hardness.
Many metamorphic rocks have a higher hardness score than granite.
You cannot compare the metamorphic rocks with the sedimentary rocks in terms of hardness because most sedimentary rocks are not as hard.
There is no involvement of heat and pressure in the formation of sedimentary rocks.
Sediments deposit on the existing layers of the minerals to make the sedimentary rocks.
There is no force to make rock dense.
Quartzite is the hardest rock on the earth.
It belongs to the class of metamorphic rocks.
It is harder than all of the igneous rocks.
A large amount of mineral in a small area is the reason for the Quartzite’s hardness.
Quartzite is the hardest rock on earth.
People use it for building construction.
The kitchen countertops of many buildings consist of Quartzite these days.
It is due to the high level of hardness of this stone.
Which Is the Hardest Mineral on Earth?
Diamond is the hardest mineral on earth.
It has a high level of hardness due to its high-density carbon structure.
Scientists use Moh Hardness Scale to find the hardness value of a material.
This scale starts from one.
Ten is the highest level of hardness.
Diamond has a hardness score of 10 on the Moh hardness scale.
Manufacturers make tips of the cutting machines with the diamonds.
Diamonds only have carbon atoms in their purest form.
Carbons interlink with other carbons to get a crystalline tetrahedral structure.
Materials with low hardness cannot cut the diamonds.
You need to find a diamond to cut the other diamonds.
You can find poor-quality diamonds abundantly on earth.
It is hard to find diamonds of high quality and luster.
Most low-quality diamonds will go to the machines for cutting purposes.
Jewelers only select high-quality diamonds to make jewelry.
Some also believe that high-quality diamonds are also abundantly available.
The prices are high because companies worldwide hoard diamonds and sell them at a specific price.
Only a few companies are responsible for all the diamond supply in the market.
People are more aware of it because they prefer gold rings over diamond ones.
Will Diamonds Remain the Hardest Known Material?
Science is about discovering new things.
Scientists are looking for answers to the oldest questions.
They always look for better and cheaper materials to accomplish tasks.
Diamonds cannot remain the hardest known material to humankind.
Scientists discovered some materials that can surpass diamonds in terms of hardness.
Wurtzite Boron Nitride is harder than diamonds.
Manufacturers are using it more than diamonds to make cutting tools.
Lonsdaleite is a mineral with more hardness than diamonds.
Lonsdaleite is a mineral because you can find it in nature in solid form.
These materials have a chemical structure similar to diamonds.
They are more durable than diamonds due to their high hardness score.
Scientists are trying to make Wurtzite in large quantities.
They are not successful till now as they are only making some small particles of this material.
Lonsdaleite is not available abundantly.
It forms when a meteorite containing graphite strikes the earth.
It is a rare phenomenon as many meteorites do not have graphite.
Most do not hit the earth’s surface as they burn in the air due to air resistance.
These materials are more durable than diamonds because Wurtzite can withstand 18 percent more stress than diamonds.
Lonsdaleite can handle 58 percent more stress force than diamonds.
These materials prove that more materials with higher hardness levels may come in the future.
Is the Hardest Rock and Hardest Mineral on Earth Also Glass-Like in Appearance?
Yes, some rocks and minerals like glass, such as obsidian and fulgurite, are formed from volcanic activity or by lightning strikes, resulting in a glassy appearance.
However, not all the hardest rocks and minerals on Earth have a glass-like appearance, as they can vary in color and texture.
What is the Connection Between Mineral Grains in Foliated Metamorphic Rocks and the Hardest Rock and Mineral on Earth?
The visual mineral grains in foliated rocks are a crucial factor in determining the hardness of the rock.
The interlocking arrangement of these mineral grains in rocks like schist and gneiss contributes to their durability, making them some of the hardest rocks and minerals on Earth.
What Are the Other Hard Minerals?
Most people only know that diamonds have a hardness score of 10 on the Moh hardness scale.
Quartz is also a popular material with a hardness score of ten.
Many do not know that there are many crystals with a hardness score between Quartz and Diamonds.
Topaz is one of these crystals.
It has a hardness score of 8 on the Moh hardness scale.
It is higher than Quartz but lower than diamonds.
People use Topaz in jewelry as a low-price alternative to diamonds.
It gives the same appearance as diamonds.
Corundum is also a mineral with a hardness score of 9 on the Moh hardness scale.
This mineral has high hardness score than the Topaz.
The material in the Mansory drill has a hardness score of 8.5.
It is between the Topaz and Diamonds.
You can cut many types of materials with this drill.
What Are the Different Uses of Hard Rocks and Hard Minerals?
There are many uses for the rocks and minerals with high hardness as materials with high hardness scores have many industrial applications.
People use softer rocks for household applications as they want rocks at a lower price.
High hardness rocks and minerals are expensive due to their rarity.
High hardness rocks make excellent gemstones as jewelers use them in jewelry without the fear of damage.
Diamond is perfect for your jewelry due to its high luster.
Its hardness also makes it excellent for industrial applications.
They use it to make cutting tools. Most minerals have a higher hardness than rocks.