Which property of a material describes its ability to withstand scratches?

The ability of a material to withstand scratches is best described by its hardness. Hardness refers specifically to a material's resistance to deformation, particularly permanent deformation such as scratches or dents. Materials with high hardness can resist scratching when exposed to abrasive forces, while those with lower hardness can be easily marked or damaged.

For instance, diamonds are extremely hard and can scratch most other materials. In contrast, softer materials, like talc, can be easily scratched. This property is crucial in various applications, from choosing materials for tools to deciding on finishes for surfaces that need to remain unblemished.

Durability, while related to how long a material lasts under various conditions, does not specifically focus on scratch resistance. Density pertains to how much mass is contained in a given volume, and flexibility relates to how much a material can bend without breaking, neither of which directly reflects a material's ability to resist scratches.