cleavage fracture

Cleavage fracture refers to a type of break in materials, particularly in minerals, where the material splits along specific planes of weakness. This happens due to the internal structure of the material, which allows it to break more easily in certain directions. In contrast to a rough or jagged fracture, a cleavage fracture results in smooth, flat surfaces. This characteristic is often used to identify minerals, as different minerals exhibit unique cleavage patterns. It's an important concept in geology and materials science, helping to understand how substances behave under stress.