On the Mohs scale, how hard is a diamond ranked?

Diamonds are ranked as a 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which is a qualitative scale that categorizes minerals based on their ability to scratch one another. The scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest (such as talc) and 10 being the hardest, which is diamond. This ranking indicates that diamonds can scratch all other materials, making them the hardest naturally occurring substances known.

The significance of diamonds being a 10 is not just their resistance to scratching, but it also highlights their durability and suitability for various applications in jewelry and industry. Understanding this ranking is crucial for anyone involved in gemology, jewelry appraisal, or the diamond trade, as it emphasizes the unique properties that set diamonds apart from other gemstones.