Mineral Identification: Cleavage, Parting, Fracture
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the process of chipping off a piece of a mineral to test for cleavage?

  • It should be done with a hammer to create a clear fracture surface.
  • It should be done gently and carefully in an area that will not degrade the value of the specimen. (correct)
  • It should be done aggressively to ensure a clean break.
  • It is not necessary to chip off a piece to test for cleavage.

    • Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of minerals with good or excellent cleavage?

  • They are less likely to exhibit fracturing.
  • The cleaved surfaces will have a high degree of smoothness.
  • They will fracture less often than those with poor cleavage. (correct)
  • Fracture marks are rarely present.

    • What is the primary reason for observing the fracture of a mineral?

  • To measure the luster and sheen of the mineral's surface.
  • To infer information about the mineral's cleavage. (correct)
  • To determine the specific gravity of the mineral.
  • To identify the presence of chatoyancy or asterism.

    • What is the primary purpose of measuring the specific gravity (S.G.) of a mineral?

    <p>To compare the mineral's weight to the weight of an identical volume of pure water.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the best way to determine if a mineral exhibits cleavage?

    <p>Observe the mineral for any cleaved surfaces or fractured edges.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a mineral with poor cleavage?

    <p>It is more likely to exhibit chatoyancy or asterism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What property of minerals describes how a crystal breaks when subject to stress on a particular plane?

    <p>Cleavage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which mineral property is used in lapidary work and is exemplified by diamond and its directional properties?

    <p>Cleavage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of cleavage is characterized by discrete intervals along the twinned crystal?

    <p>Parting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which indicator of cleavage is described by the number of sides exhibiting cleavage?

    <p>Number of Sides Exhibiting Cleavage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which mineral property refers to the way a mineral breaks when put under stress?

    <p>Fracture</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'Perfect,' 'Good,' 'Distinct,' and 'Poor' are terms used to describe different levels of which mineral property?

    <p>Cleavage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which direction is diamond much easier to saw and polish due to its directional-dependent hardness?

    <p>At right angles to the dodecahedral plane</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does cleavage refer to in relation to minerals?

    <p>Formation of a smooth plane when a crystal face breaks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which mineral property differentiates cleavage from fracture?

    <p>Formation of a smooth plane</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the easiest direction to cleave or split a diamond?

    <p>Along the octahedral faces</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term describes a fracture in minerals that resembles a semicircular shell?

    <p>Conchoidal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between cleavage and fracture when it comes to mineral properties?

    <p>Formation of smooth planes vs. chipping shapes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Mineral Cleavage and Fracture Properties

    • Cleavage is tested by chipping off a piece of a mineral to observe how it splits along specific planes.
    • Minerals exhibiting good or excellent cleavage usually display smooth breakage along defined planes; poor cleavage lacks such distinct characteristics.
    • Observing a mineral's fracture helps understand how it breaks under stress, revealing its internal structure and weaknesses.
    • Specific gravity (S.G.) measurement determines a mineral's density, aiding in identification and differentiation from similar materials.
    • To assess cleavage, the best method is to observe how the mineral breaks when struck or stressed, focusing on planar surfaces.
    • Characteristics of poor cleavage include irregular breaks, lack of smooth surfaces, and unpredictability in shape.
    • Cleavage refers to the preferred breaking planes of a mineral under stress, delineating how it separates cleanly along these surfaces.
    • The directional property of minerals like diamond facilitates lapidary work, where specific cutting techniques are employed based on hardness variations in different directions.
    • According to characteristics, cleavage can be evaluated at distinct intervals along twinned crystals, which exhibit complex geometrical forms.
    • The number of sides showcasing cleavage describes the indicator of a mineral’s cleavage quality, impacting its overall appearance.
    • Fracture refers to the manner in which minerals break when subjected to stress outside the defined cleavage planes.
    • Terms like 'Perfect,' 'Good,' 'Distinct,' and 'Poor' classify minerals according to their cleavage properties, influencing their usage and desirability.
    • Diamond is much easier to cut and polish in directions aligned with its cleavage planes due to its directional hardness, enhancing its gem quality.
    • Cleavage in minerals refers to the ability to split along specific, smooth planes, distinguishing it from irregular fracture patterns.
    • The key distinction between cleavage and fracture is the predictability of breakage: cleavage results in straight surfaces while fracture leads to uneven, random breaks.
    • The easiest direction to cleave diamond corresponds with its natural cleavage planes, enabling precise cutting.
    • A ‘conchoidal’ fracture describes a semi-circular shell-like break, often seen in brittle minerals without cleavage.
    • The main difference between cleavage and fracture involves regularity versus randomness; cleavage is predictable along planes, while fracture is irregular and chaotic.

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    Description

    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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