softest mineral crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for the solution to the crossword clue "softest mineral crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide the most accurate answers along with helpful explanations to boost your puzzle-solving skills.
Solutions for "softest mineral crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TALC: A very soft mineral, hydrated magnesium silicate, commonly known for its low position (1) on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. It is widely used in cosmetics, paints, and as a lubricant, giving it a characteristic greasy or soapy feel.
More About "softest mineral crossword clue"
The clue "softest mineral" almost invariably points to one specific mineral: TALC. This is because talc holds the distinction of being the lowest on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, with a value of 1. The Mohs scale, developed by German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs, assesses the scratch resistance of various minerals by comparing which mineral can scratch another.
Talc is a clay mineral, composed of hydrated magnesium silicate. Its extremely soft nature is due to its unique crystalline structure, which features weak bonds between its layers. This allows the layers to slide past each other easily, making it feel greasy or soapy to the touch. Beyond crosswords, talc is a very common and useful mineral, found in everything from baby powder and cosmetics to industrial applications like ceramics, paper, and paint.
Understanding such specific scientific facts can often give you an edge in crosswords, as they frequently draw upon general knowledge across various fields, including geology and chemistry. Knowing key terms like "Mohs scale" or the properties of well-known minerals like diamond (the hardest) or talc (the softest) can unlock many clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Understand the Mohs Scale: For clues related to mineral hardness, remember that Talc is 1 (softest) and Diamond is 10 (hardest). This knowledge can be a lifesaver.
- Consider Common Knowledge: Crossword clues often rely on facts that are widely known or easily looked up, like the properties of common minerals.
- Check Letter Count: Always verify the number of letters in your proposed answer against the available spaces in the grid. For "softest mineral," 'TALC' is a perfect fit for four-letter slots.
- Look for Synonyms or Related Concepts: Sometimes a clue might use a synonym or a closely related concept. Think broadly about the category the clue falls into.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mohs scale of hardness?
The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a qualitative ordinal scale characterizing scratch resistance of various minerals through the ability of a harder material to scratch a softer material. It ranks minerals from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest).
Why is talc considered the softest mineral?
Talc is considered the softest mineral because it has a Mohs hardness of 1, meaning it can be easily scratched by all other minerals on the scale, and even by a fingernail. Its unique layered structure and weak atomic bonds between layers contribute to its extreme softness.
Are there other answers for 'softest mineral' in crosswords?
While TALC is the most universally accepted and common answer due to its distinct scientific classification as the softest mineral on the Mohs scale, it's always good to consider context if a puzzle is highly unconventional. However, for a direct "softest mineral" clue, TALC is almost always the intended solution.