Hardness minerals are the substances, that when present in great enough concentration, cause water to be classified as 'hard.' calcium, manganese (man guh NEEZ) and magnesium (mag NEE zee um) are the most common hardness minerals. As ground water passes through the soil or rock strata, it picks up tiny amounts of these minerals, which become dissolved in the water. Thus, hard water is often found in regions with rock formations of limestone, gypsum, fluorspar, (FLOOR spar) magnetite, (MAG net ite) pyrite (PIE right), or magnesite (MAG nee site). Arid regions are more likely to have hard water, because the soil is not permeable, so minerals are not naturally filtered out. Hardness minerals won't harm your health; in fact, our body needs such elements. But you're better off to get them in food or supplements, than from your water. Hard water can stain the teeth, leave soap film on your skin, and water spots on dishes. A good water softener will remove these minerals, and the problems they cause.
