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When minerals break along certain planes, it is known as cleavage. Typically, the pieces will be the same form and be bounded by smooth, flat surfaces. Cleavage is determined by the number of cleavage directions and the angle(s) between them.

If the mineral breaks in an irregular, jagged or splintered edge, it is said to have a fracture.

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Why do minerals break along planes when atomic bonds are weak?

It is called cleavage.


How is cleavage related to a mineral's atomic structure?

Cleavage is the way a mineral breaks along planes of weakness in its atomic structure. The number and orientation of cleavage planes are determined by the arrangement of atoms in the mineral's crystal lattice. Minerals with strong atomic bonds tend to have poor or no cleavage, while those with weaker bonds exhibit good cleavage.


He strong tendency of certain minerals to break along smooth parallel planes is known as?

The strong tendency of certain minerals to break along smooth parallel planes is known as cleavage. Cleavage occurs due to the internal atomic arrangement of the mineral, which allows it to break along specific planes of weakness.


Why do some minerals cleave along certain planes?

Minerals cleave along specific planes due to their internal atomic structure and bonding. The arrangement of atoms in a crystal lattice creates zones of weakness where bonds are weaker or less numerous, making it easier for the mineral to break along these planes. The orientation of these planes is determined by the symmetry and geometry of the crystal, leading to characteristic cleavage patterns in different minerals. As a result, the cleavage reflects the mineral's unique structural properties.


When a mineral splits into pieces that smooth and flat it is called?

Cleavage. Minerals with cleavage break along specific planes, resulting in smooth and flat surfaces. The number and angle of cleavage planes depend on the mineral's atomic structure.


What are the distinguishing characteristics of cleavage in minerals and how does it affect their physical properties?

Cleavage in minerals refers to the way they break along specific planes due to their atomic structure. The number and angle of cleavage planes can vary, affecting the mineral's physical properties such as its hardness, luster, and ability to split into thin sheets. Minerals with good cleavage tend to break more easily along these planes, while those with poor cleavage may fracture irregularly.


What minerals arranged in planes or bands?

Micas, such as biotite and muscovite, exhibit planes of perfect cleavage due to their arrangement of atoms in parallel layers. Similarly, minerals like calcite and feldspar can form banding patterns due to variations in composition or recrystallization processes. These structured arrangements give rise to distinctive patterns in rocks like schist and gneiss.


What is imperfect cleavage?

Imperfect cleavage is a type of cleavage seen in minerals where they break along irregular and rough surfaces rather than smooth, flat planes. This occurs because the mineral's atomic structure does not have consistent weak planes along which to cleave cleanly. Examples of minerals with imperfect cleavage include calcite and fluorite.


What is it called when minerals break flat and evenly?

Cleavage is the term used to describe the tendency of minerals to break along flat and even surfaces due to their internal atomic structure. This results in the formation of smooth and reflective planes when a mineral breaks.


What characteristic must all minerals have in order to exhibit cleavage planes?

In order to exhibit cleavage planes, all minerals must have a crystalline structure.


What minerals have only one direction of cleavage?

Some minerals that have only one direction of cleavage include mica (like muscovite), halite (salt), and graphite. Cleavage is the tendency of minerals to break along preferred planes due to their atomic structure.


What is the tendency for some minerals such as mica to break or flat surfaces called?

The tendency for minerals like mica to break along flat surfaces is called cleavage. Cleavage occurs because the atomic structure of these minerals allows them to easily break along specific planes, resulting in flat, shiny surfaces.