http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/faq/?faqID=149
Q: Where can I buy a Richter scale?

A: The Richter scale is not a physical device, but a mathematical formula. The magnitude of an earthquake is determined from the logarithm of the amplitude of waves recorded on a seismogram at a certain period. See next question and answer.
For further information, see: The Richter Magnitude Scale.

Is this a question that is actually frequently asked, or a trolling web programmer?