What is the mineral at number 5 on Mohs Hardness Scale?

What is the mineral at number 5 on Mohs Hardness Scale?

• A. Fluorite
• B. Topaz
• C. Apatite
• D. Gypsum

Answer: (C)

The mineral ranked at number 5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale is apatite. The Mohs Hardness Scale categorizes minerals based on their ability to scratch one another, with talc at 1 (the softest) to diamond at 10 (the hardest). Apatite, being at number 5, has a hardness that allows it to scratch gypsum (ranked at 2) and talc (ranked at 1) but can be scratched by orthoclase feldspar (ranked at 6). Apatite is widely known in geology and mineralogy for its phosphate composition and can be recognized in various forms. This understanding of apatite's position on the hardness scale is important in identifying minerals and comprehending their physical properties.

The mineral ranked at number 5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale is apatite. The Mohs Hardness Scale categorizes minerals based on their ability to scratch one another, with talc at 1 (the softest) to diamond at 10 (the hardest). Apatite, being at number 5, has a hardness that allows it to scratch gypsum (ranked at 2) and talc (ranked at 1) but can be scratched by orthoclase feldspar (ranked at 6).

Apatite is widely known in geology and mineralogy for its phosphate composition and can be recognized in various forms. This understanding of apatite's position on the hardness scale is important in identifying minerals and comprehending their physical properties.