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Difficulty: MediumRocks, Minerals, and Soil

A field geologist tests the relative scratch resistance of four mineral specimens using the Mohs hardness scale. What is the correct sequence of these minerals arranged from softest (lowest scratch resistance) to hardest (highest scratch resistance)?

  1. 1Talc
  2. 2Fluorite
  3. 3Quartz
  4. 4Diamond

Answer

Talc, Fluorite, Quartz, Diamond
The Mohs hardness scale ranks minerals from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). Talc has a rating of 1, fluorite has a rating of 4, quartz has a rating of 7, and diamond has a rating of 10. Therefore, arranging these specimens in ascending order yields Talc, Fluorite, Quartz, and Diamond.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the Mohs scale hardness rating for Talc
Talc has a hardness rating of 1
Talc is the benchmark mineral for the lowest hardness level on the scale.
2
Identify the Mohs scale hardness rating for Fluorite
Fluorite has a hardness rating of 4
Fluorite ranks between calcite (3) and apatite (5).
3
Identify the Mohs scale hardness rating for Quartz
Quartz has a hardness rating of 7
Quartz is harder than common window glass (5.5) and orthoclase feldspar (6).
4
Identify the Mohs scale hardness rating for Diamond
Diamond has a hardness rating of 10
Diamond is the standard benchmark for maximum scratch hardness on the scale.
5
Arrange the minerals in ascending order of their hardness ratings
Talc (1) → Fluorite (4) → Quartz (7) → Diamond (10)
The question requires arranging from softest to hardest.

Key Concept

The Mohs hardness scale provides a qualitative ordinal ranking from 1 to 10 that measures mineral scratch resistance.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Rocks, Minerals, and Soil

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