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NYT Daily • August 23, 2025

Mineral with a Mohs hardness of 1

Answer:

TALC

Hint:

This soft, powdery substance is often used in baby powder and cosmetics for its gentle texture.

Explanation:

This clue is a straightforward definition referring to the softest mineral on the Mohs hardness scale, which ranks minerals from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). Talc scores a 1, making it the answer—it’s commonly known for its use in baby powder and its easily scratchable, soapy texture. No wordplay or tricks here; the clue directly points to the mineral’s defining property.

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