Geology and Mohs Scale of Hardness Quiz

Who were the early contributors to the concept of mineral hardness before Carl Mohs?

• Aristotle and Socrates

• Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler

• Theophrastus and Pliny the Elder

• Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein

Which mineral is the softest on the Mohs Scale?

• Fluorite

• Calcite

• Talc

• Gypsum

What is the hardest mineral on the Mohs Scale?

• Corundum

• Diamond

• Topaz

• Quartz

Which everyday object can scratch a mineral with a hardness greater than 5.5?

• Copper coin

• Fingernail

• Knife or glass plate

• Steel nail

How do field geologists use the Mohs Scale?

• To measure the weight of minerals

• To identify minerals using scratch kits

• To calculate the density of minerals

• To determine the color of minerals