18 Questions
Which of the following best describes the process of chipping off a piece of a mineral to test for cleavage?
It should be done gently and carefully in an area that will not degrade the value of the specimen.
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of minerals with good or excellent cleavage?
They will fracture less often than those with poor cleavage.
What is the primary reason for observing the fracture of a mineral?
To infer information about the mineral's cleavage.
What is the primary purpose of measuring the specific gravity (S.G.) of a mineral?
To compare the mineral's weight to the weight of an identical volume of pure water.
What is the best way to determine if a mineral exhibits cleavage?
Observe the mineral for any cleaved surfaces or fractured edges.
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a mineral with poor cleavage?
It is more likely to exhibit chatoyancy or asterism.
What property of minerals describes how a crystal breaks when subject to stress on a particular plane?
Cleavage
Which mineral property is used in lapidary work and is exemplified by diamond and its directional properties?
Cleavage
What type of cleavage is characterized by discrete intervals along the twinned crystal?
Parting
Which indicator of cleavage is described by the number of sides exhibiting cleavage?
Number of Sides Exhibiting Cleavage
Which mineral property refers to the way a mineral breaks when put under stress?
Fracture
'Perfect,' 'Good,' 'Distinct,' and 'Poor' are terms used to describe different levels of which mineral property?
Cleavage
In which direction is diamond much easier to saw and polish due to its directional-dependent hardness?
At right angles to the dodecahedral plane
What does cleavage refer to in relation to minerals?
Formation of a smooth plane when a crystal face breaks
Which mineral property differentiates cleavage from fracture?
Formation of a smooth plane
What is the easiest direction to cleave or split a diamond?
Along the octahedral faces
Which term describes a fracture in minerals that resembles a semicircular shell?
Conchoidal
What is the main difference between cleavage and fracture when it comes to mineral properties?
Formation of smooth planes vs. chipping shapes
Learn how to use cleavage, parting, and fracture as identification marks for minerals. Explore how different types of cleavage and fracture habits can help in identifying minerals. Discover methods for testing minerals using cleavage, parting, and fracture.
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