Minerals and Mohs Hardness Scale

Talc is the softest mineral on Mohs Hardness Scale.

• True

• False

Based on the table, which statement is true?

• corundum will scratch diamond

• quartz will scratch corundum

• calcite will scratch orthoclase

• orthoclase will scratch fluorite

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

An unidentified mineral can be scratched by orthoclase, but not by calcite. Which of the following best describes the mineral's hardness?

• less than 3

• less than 7 and more than 6

• more than 3 and less than 6

• more than 7

The softest mineral on the Mohs Hardness scale

• Gypsum

• Talc

• Diamond

• Feldspar

Using the Mohs Hardness Scale, what  mineral is the hardest?

• Quartz

• Diamond

• Feldspar

• Talc

Match the following: If you can scratch a mineral with: Where is it on the Mohs Scale

• above 7 on the Mohs Scale

• A penny

• 3 on the Mohs Scale

• Knife

• 6-7 on the Mohs Scale

• Your fingernail

• 1-2 on the Mohs Scale

• Glass

A mineral could be scratched by topaz but NOT by fluorite.

What is the hardness range?

• 1-4

• 4-8

• 4-10

• 8-10

Which minerals would all scratch apatite?

• diamond, topaz, quartz

• quartz, calcite, gypsum

• fluorite, talc, calcite

• diamond, fluorite, corundum

Which of these minerals is softer than glass?

• Topaz 

• Corundum 

• Calcite 

• Orthoclase