To test the hardness of a specimen take it and try to scratch it with the first rock in your hardness kit, Talc. If it is scratched then the rock you're testing is hardness 1. If not then try to scratch the Talc with your rock. If the rock scratches the Talc then it is harder than the Talc.
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nstead, common objects are used as tools to perform the hardness test:
A sample count is the data from a sample, or a small group. A total count would be the data from the entirety of whats being studied, not just a sample.