A mineral's characteristics determine its uses. Some minerals are pretty, and people use them as jewelry. But a beautiful stone that's too soft will not be durable enough to wear. Diamond, the hardest mineral, rates 10 on the hardness scale. Softer minerals tend to be better for sculpting. Harder minerals can also be used to cut or polish softer minerals. Next time you pick up a rock, take a good look at it. Who knows what treasure you have found!

To learn more about minerals:

1. Go to the What's That Rock? WWW Sheet and print it.

2. Visit either of these Web sites. Then complete the WWW Sheet.
    Minerals by Name
    Alphabetical Minerals