Question

Based on The MOHS hardness Scale, which mineral could be scratched by a penny but not by a fingernail

Answer 1

The correct answer is B. Calcite

Explanation:

Mohs hardness scale indicates the hardness of minerals using a scale from 1 to 10 as well as defining the objects or tools that can be used to scratch the minerals. These two features of minerals are shown in the table of the image. About this, it is shown gypsum and talc can be scratched by just a fingernail, considering minerals with a hardness of 2.5 or below can be scratched by a fingernail. In the case of calcite that has a hardness of 3, this cannot be scratched by a fingernail, but it can be scratched by a penny, which works for minerals with a hardness of 3.5 or below. Thus, the correct answer is Calcite.