Question

The absolute difference in the Moh's hardness values of the two silicates among the minerals listed below is ...............
Apatite, Corundum, Gypsum, Talc, Topaz

Hint:

To find the absolute difference in Moh's hardness, subtract the hardness values of two minerals. The largest difference is usually between the softest and hardest minerals in the list.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 7

To solve the problem, we need to determine the absolute difference in the Moh's hardness values of two specific minerals from the given list: Apatite, Corundum, Gypsum, Talc, and Topaz. Below are the Moh's hardness values for these minerals:

• Talc: 1
• Gypsum: 2
• Apatite: 5
• Topaz: 8
• Corundum: 9

Next, identify the two silicates from the list. Silicate minerals contain silicate groups and are characterized by the presence of silicon and oxygen in their structures. In the provided list:

• Talc and Topaz are silicates.

Now, calculate the absolute difference in Moh's hardness between Talc (1) and Topaz (8):

Difference: |8 - 1| = 7