Ceramics are generally more scratch-resistant than glass. This is due to their higher hardness and more durable structure. According to the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which is a qualitative ordinal scale that characterizes the scratch resistance of various minerals, ceramics often score higher than glass. For instance, typical glass has a hardness of around 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, while ceramics can range from 7 to 9. This significant difference in hardness makes ceramics more resistant to scratches and wear.

The molecular structure of ceramics contributes to their higher scratch resistance. Ceramics are inorganic, non-metallic compounds that are typically composed of metal and non-metal atoms. The strong ionic or covalent bonds within ceramics create a rigid and durable structure that is less prone to scratching. In contrast, glass is an amorphous solid that lacks a regular, repeating arrangement of atoms, making it more susceptible to scratches.

Data from various studies support the notion that ceramics are more scratch-resistant. For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Ceramic Society found that ceramics exhibit superior scratch resistance compared to glass. The study evaluated the scratch resistance of various ceramic materials and glass substrates using a scratch tester. The results showed that ceramics consistently demonstrated higher resistance to scratching than glass.

In addition, the practical application of ceramics in high-wear and high-abrasion environments further underscores their superior scratch resistance. Ceramics are commonly used in cutting tools, abrasive materials, and other applications where resistance to scratching is crucial. These applications would be compromised if glass were used instead, highlighting the practical advantages of ceramics in terms of scratch resistance.