Difference between revisions of "Cleavage planes"
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| − | '''Cleavage planes''' are common in [[crystal]]line [[mineral]]s. 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. | + | '''Cleavage planes''' are common in [[crystal]]line [[mineral]]s. 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 [[refraction|refractive]] [[ | + | The art of [[diamond]] cutting exploits the many possible [[cleavage planes]] in the [[diamond]] crystal in order to create a beautifully [[refraction|refractive]] [[ge]]m 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]]. | + | [[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 03:27, May 21, 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.