Mohs Scale Practice

Which statement comparing mineral hardness is true?

• calcite will only scratch gypsum

• calcite will only scratch gypsum and talc

• calcite will scratch any mineral softer than 3

• calcite will scratch any mineral harder than 3

According to the Mohs' scale, which of the statements below is true?

• Only talc will scratch quartz.

• Topaz and diamond will scratch quartz.

• Amethyst will scratch diamond.

• Calcite is a harder mineral than corundum.

Talc is the softest mineral on Mohs Hardness Scale.

• True

• False

Which minerals would all scratch apatite?

• diamond, topaz, quartz

• quartz, calcite, gypsum

• fluorite, talc, calcite

• diamond, fluorite, corundum

Fluorite is a 4 and can scratch Calcite that is a 3. What can scratch Topaz which is an 8?

• Talc

• Quartz

• Diamond

• Gypsum

Fluorite is a 4 and can scratch Calcite that is a 3. What can scratch Apatite which is an 5?

• Talc

• Quartz

• Flourite

• Gypsum

Which minerals would all scratch apatite?

• diamond, topaz, quartz

• fluorite, talc, calcite

• quartz, calcite, gypsum

• diamond, fluorite, corundum

The softest mineral on the Mohs Hardness scale

• Gypsum

• Talc

• Diamond

• Feldspar

A student found a pretty rock while hiking with her family. She discovered that the rock will scratch glass, but not her steel knife. According to the Mohs Hardness Scale shown above, what does the student know about the rock?

• It is harder than quartz, but softer than topaz.

• It is harder than corundum, but softer than gypsum.

• It is harder than calcite, but softer than fluorite.

• It is harder than fluorite, but softer than quartz.

Which of these minerals is softer than glass?

• Topaz 

• Corundum 

• Calcite 

• Orthoclase