Difference between revisions of "Cleavage planes"
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The art of [[diamond]] cutting exploits the many possible cleavage planes in the diamond crystal in order to create a beautifully [[refraction|refractive]] [[gem]] from the raw material. | The art of [[diamond]] cutting exploits the many possible cleavage planes in the diamond crystal in order to create a beautifully [[refraction|refractive]] [[gem]] from the raw material. | ||
| − | [[Graphite]], | + | [[Graphite]], a pure [[carbon]] crystal like diamond, is so weakly bonded between its layers that the layers slide readily over one another; hence its use as a [[lubricant]]. |
[[Category:Geology]] | [[Category:Geology]] | ||
Revision as of 05:46, March 19, 2010
Cleavage planes are common in crystalline minerals. They tend to follow weaker bonded lines through the crystal matrix, and lend a characteristic appearance to many minerals when they are fractured naturally or by a mineralogist.
The art of diamond cutting exploits the many possible cleavage planes in the diamond crystal in order to create a beautifully refractive gem from the raw material.
Graphite, a pure carbon crystal like diamond, is so weakly bonded between its layers that the layers slide readily over one another; hence its use as a lubricant.