What is clevalage?

Answer 1

Cleavage refers to the process by which a mineral or crystal breaks along specific planes of weakness, resulting in smooth, flat surfaces. This characteristic is often used to identify minerals, as different minerals exhibit unique cleavage patterns. It is influenced by the internal arrangement of atoms in the crystal structure, with stronger bonds in some directions leading to more pronounced cleavage. Common examples of minerals with notable cleavage include mica and halite.