Comminution of materials is an energy intensive and inefficient process where predetermination of energy consumption for the production of a mineral powder may require lengthy and costly testing. This investigation was conducted to asses an unanticipated correlation between Vickers Hardness (VH) values for crystalline minerals and their comminution energy requirements as expressed by the Bond Work Index (BWI). Based on preliminary investigations, hardness values of crystalline minerals as measured by the VH test are interpreted to be affected by their elasticity. A tentative mathematical relation with a high correlation between the VH of liberated, mono-crystalline minerals and their BWI is presented. This relation probably predicts the maximum comminution energy requirements as mineral products for grinding are usually constituted by particles relatively free of extraneous planes of weakness. The VH test is proposed as a potential, rapid alternative method for determination of BWI values for the grinding of minerals. It may also potentially assist in the assessment of energy losses due to excessive grinding of mineral ores. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.