The softest mineral on the Mohs scale is talc. It is assigned a rating of 1, which represents the lowest degree of hardness. Talc is a mineral made up of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen, and it has a greasy feel, which is why it is often used in talcum powder. Its softness allows it to be scratched easily, making it a useful reference point for defining other minerals' hardness in geology. Talc is also used in various industrial applications, including the production of ceramics, paper, and cosmetics, due to its unique properties.