What property determines how easily a mineral can be scratched?

The property that determines how easily a mineral can be scratched is hardness. Hardness is a measure of a mineral's resistance to scratching and is commonly measured on the Mohs scale, which ranges from talc (the softest) to diamond (the hardest). The hardness of a mineral indicates its ability to withstand mechanical wear and abrasion, making it a critical characteristic in mineral identification and evaluation.

For example, if one mineral can scratch another, it indicates that it is harder than the mineral being scratched. This property is essential not only for identifying minerals but also for understanding their practical applications in various industries, where durability may be crucial.