Abstract: A method for continuous measuring of hardness in subterranean formation material includes pressing the tip of an indenter in an indentation assembly against the surface of formation material with a prescribed force; creating an indentation; measuring the applied force and/or the depth of the indentation; moving at least one of the indenter across the surface of the material, the material across the surface of the indenter, and combinations thereof, with constant axial force applied to the tip of the indenter to create an indentation path; and measuring applied force, indenter displacement, and lateral displacement while the indenter is creating the indention path, wherein the applied force, indenter displacement, and lateral displacement are used to determine the continuous hardness of the formation material. An apparatus includes a specimen table and an indention assembly including an indention tip. Another apparatus includes a tool body with caliper arms and an indention assembly.