What is the hardness of calcite on the Mohs scale?

Calcite has a hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale, which is used to rank the hardness of minerals based on their ability to scratch one another. The scale ranges from 1 (talc, the softest mineral) to 10 (diamond, the hardest). Being at a hardness of 3 means that calcite can be scratched by minerals with a higher hardness rating, such as fluorite (hardness of 4), and can scratch softer minerals like gypsum (hardness of 2). Understanding calcite's position on the Mohs scale is essential for identifying minerals in geological or educational contexts, as it gives insight into their physical properties and potential applications.