Which of these minerals would have the lowest score on the Mohs scale?

• A. Diamond
• B. Quartz
• C. Talc
• D. Topaz

Answer: (C)

The Mohs scale of mineral hardness ranks minerals from 1 to 10 based on their ability to scratch one another. Talc is recognized as the softest mineral on the Mohs scale, receiving the lowest score of 1. This means that talc can be easily scratched by all other minerals. It is a phyllosilicate mineral composed of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen, and its softness is often exploited in applications like talcum powder.

In contrast, diamond ranks at the highest level of 10 on the Mohs scale due to its exceptional hardness, including its utility in cutting tools. Quartz, with a hardness of 7, is also much harder than talc and is abundant in the Earth's crust. Topaz, with a hardness of 8, sits between diamond and quartz in terms of scratch resistance. Thus, among the given choices, talc unmistakably has the lowest hardness score.