minerals hardness is dependent on the
A mineralâs hardness is related to the strength of its weakest bond, and minerals may have different hardnesses in different directions. For example, kyanite has a hardness of 5.5 if scratched lengthwise, but a hardness of 6.5 if scratched crosswise (numbers in Mohs scale). Since covalent bonds are stronger than ionic bonds, minerals in which covalent bonds dominate will be harder than those in which ionic bonds are prevalent.