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Cleavage in Minerals

Definition

If a mineral is strained beyond its elastic limits, it will break. If it breaks irregularly then it shows fracture, if it breaks along regular surfaces related to the crystal structure then it shows cleavage. This cleavage depends on weaknesses in the crystalline make-up of the mineral and is a diagnostic property which can reveal additional information about the mineral.

Table of Cleavage Types Used in this Database

For Further Information on Cleavage

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Example Subject Searches

Example: cleavage perfect finds all minerals with perfect cleavage.
Example: "cleavage-00*" finds all minerals a basal cleavage.

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