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
Search the Mineralogy Database
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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