What is the hardness of talc on the Mohs scale?

Talc has a hardness of 1 on the Mohs scale, making it the softest mineral. The Mohs scale is a qualitative scale used to categorize the hardness of minerals based on their ability to scratch one another. Since talc can be easily scratched by all other minerals, its position at the bottom of the scale signifies its extreme softness. This characteristic is important in various applications, such as in the cosmetic industry where talc is commonly used in powders, due to its smooth texture and lubricating properties. Knowing that talc is at the lowest point on the Mohs scale helps in understanding the physical properties of minerals and their practical uses.