Cleavage in Minerals

Cleavage in Minerals

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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

Cleavage

Cleavage Description

Unknown

Mineral too small to observe cleavage.

None

No cleavage.

Very Good

Very good cleavage

Perfect

Very good, shiny cleavage surface.

Imperfect

Not perfect, equivalent to fair or good.

Good

Good, distinct cleavage surface.

Distinct

Distinct, recognizable cleavage surface.

Indistinct

Poorly formed cleavage surface.

Fair

Fair, recognizable cleavage surface.

Poor

Poorly formed cleavage surface.

Parting

Developed only in some specimens.

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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