The softest mineral among the following is-

The correct answer is TalcKey Points

• Talc is the softest mineral.
• Talc is a silicate and contains magnesium and a bit of water along with silica and oxygen. Talc is a clay mineral composed by hydrated magnesium silicate.
• Talc is a colourless like light to dark Green, Brown, white and grey.
• Chemically, talc is a hydrous magnesium silicate with a chemical formula of Mg3Si4O10(OH)2

Additional Information

•  Gypsum:
  • Gypsum is a soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO₄·2H₂O).
  • It typically forms from the evaporation of seawater or as a result of hydrothermal processes.
  • Gypsum is widely used in the construction industry, particularly in the production of drywall (gypsum board) and plaster. 
• Quartz:
  • Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust and is composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂). 
  • It crystallizes in the hexagonal system and is known for its hardness and durability, ranking 7 on the Mohs scale.
  • It is widely used in the manufacturing of glass, ceramics, and electronics, and is also a popular gemstone in jewelry.
• Fluorite:
  • Fluorite, also known as fluorspar, is a colorful mineral composed of calcium fluoride (CaF₂).
  • It typically forms in a cubic crystal system and is known for its vibrant colors, ranging from purple and blue to green and yellow.
  • Fluorite is primarily used as a flux in the steelmaking process and as a source of fluorine for various chemical applications.