The hardness of a mineral is determined by Choose one: A. its ability to form cleavage planes. B. its ability to resist breaking when being struck with a hammer. C. its ability to resist chemical reactions with other substances. D. its ability to resist being scratched by other substances.

Answer: D. its ability to resist being scratched by other substances.

Explanation

The degree of hardness in the mineral can be determined by the difficulty of minerals scratching each other or the use of a tool that can penetrate. minerals are very unique which makes it hard to scratch then, the process of scratching is not an easy one because it involves the ability of the mineral to break the bonds that are within it.