Hardness vs. density (for Elements)

AI Thread Summary
Hardness and density of elements do not have a direct correlation, as demonstrated by examples like diamond, which is extremely hard yet low in density. Atomic lattice structure significantly influences hardness, overshadowing any potential relationship with density. Randomly selected elements, such as gold and lead, further illustrate this lack of correlation, as both are dense but soft. Additionally, mercury, a liquid at room temperature, challenges the notion of a straightforward relationship between these two properties. Overall, the discussion emphasizes that hardness and density are largely independent characteristics of elements.
jmatejka
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I heard someone suggest a correlation between the two, my guess is NO direct correlation exists.

Pick an Element on the periodic table, hardness and density do not always correlate. I'm sure atomic lattace structure plays a larger role here.

Diamond is the hardest, but by no means high in density.

Any loose correlations between hardness and density? None that I know of...

Thanks, John
 
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Why not pick 20 elements at random and make a scatter plot?
 
ya those 2 definitely do not correlate gold and lead are very dense and very soft .
you cab bite into 24k gold and leave a tooth mark. And what about mercury.
 

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