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Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along flat, smooth surfaces, while fracture is the tendency to break along irregular surfaces. Cleavage occurs along planes of weakness in the crystal structure, resulting in smooth, flat surfaces. Fracture occurs when a mineral breaks in a more random, jagged manner.

In terms of mineral properties, cleavage indicates the presence of planes of weakness within the crystal structure, making the mineral more likely to break along those planes. Fracture, on the other hand, suggests a lack of planes of weakness and a more uniform distribution of strength throughout the mineral.

The presence of cleavage planes can impact the overall strength and durability of a material by making it more prone to breaking along those planes. Minerals with strong cleavage may be more brittle and less resistant to impact or pressure, while minerals with fracture may be more durable and able to withstand external forces.

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Related Questions

What is a fracture in minerals and how does it affect their physical properties?

A fracture in minerals refers to the way a mineral breaks when subjected to external forces. It can be described as either conchoidal (smooth and curved) or irregular. The type of fracture can affect the mineral's physical properties, such as its hardness, cleavage, and overall durability.


What is the differences between fracture and cleavage?

Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along flat surfaces and fracture is the tendency of a mineral to break into irregular pieces.


What the differences between cleavage and fracture?

Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along flat surfaces and fracture is the tendency of a mineral to break into irregular pieces.


What properties does a mineral?

color, luster, fracture/cleavage, streak, hardness, density


Does quartz have cleavage or a fracture?

Quartz does not have cleavage. However, it does have fracture. Its fracture is conchoidal.


What are the 7 properties of minerals?

7 Properties include: Hardness, luster, streak, cleavage, density, color, and fracture.


What are physical properties of minerals?

7 Properties include: Hardness, luster, streak, cleavage, density, color, and fracture.


What are the 7 properties minerals?

7 Properties include: Hardness, luster, streak, cleavage, density, color, and fracture.


What are 3 differences between cleavage and fracture?

Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along planes of weak atomic bonding, resulting in smooth, flat surfaces, while fracture is the tendency of a mineral to break with rough, irregular surfaces. Cleavage results in smooth, reflective surfaces that reflect light, whereas fracture surfaces are dull and do not reflect light. Cleavage is a property that is characteristic of certain minerals and can be used for mineral identification, while fracture can vary depending on the specific conditions of the break and is less consistent across different minerals.


What are the distinguishing characteristics of a mineral fracture and how does it impact the overall structure and composition of the mineral?

Mineral fracture refers to the way a mineral breaks when subjected to external forces. There are two main types of fractures: cleavage and fracture. Cleavage results in smooth, flat surfaces, while fracture results in rough, irregular surfaces. The type of fracture can impact the overall structure and composition of the mineral by affecting its strength, durability, and appearance. Minerals with cleavage tend to break along specific planes of weakness, while minerals with fracture may break in unpredictable ways, impacting their physical properties and usability.


What mineral properties would you use to tell the difference between quartz and feldspar?

Cleavage and Fracture


Does garnet have cleavage or a fracture?

it has no cleavage