Cleavableness meaning

The cleavableness of a material refers to its ability to be split or separated along natural planes or lines.


Cleavableness definitions

Word backwards ssenelbavaelc
Part of speech The word "cleavableness" is a noun.
Syllabic division cleav-a-ble-ness
Plural The plural of the word "cleavableness" is "cleavablenesses."
Total letters 13
Vogais (2) e,a
Consonants (6) c,l,v,b,n,s

Cleavableness in Minerals

Cleavableness refers to the tendency of a mineral to break along specific planes, producing flat surfaces known as cleavage. This property is determined by the internal atomic structure of the mineral. Minerals with cleavage break more easily along these planes compared to other directions. Cleavage is a useful property for identifying minerals and is often used in mineral classification.

The Cleavage Scale

Minerals can exhibit different types of cleavage, which are classified based on the number of cleavage planes and their angles. For example, minerals with one plane of cleavage are said to have basal cleavage, while those with two planes have prismatic cleavage. The angles between cleavage planes are also taken into account when determining cleavage type.

Importance in Identification

Cleavage is an important diagnostic property for mineral identification. By observing the way a mineral breaks along certain planes, geologists and mineralogists can deduce the mineral's atomic structure and make educated guesses about its composition. Cleavage helps distinguish between minerals that may otherwise look similar to the naked eye.

Factors Affecting Cleavableness

Several factors influence the cleavableness of a mineral. These include the strength of atomic bonds along cleavage planes, the atomic arrangement within the crystal lattice, and external factors such as pressure and temperature. Some minerals exhibit perfect cleavage, breaking cleanly along specific planes, while others may display irregular or fractured patterns.

Examples of Cleavable Minerals

Many common minerals exhibit cleavage to varying degrees. For instance, mica minerals such as biotite and muscovite display perfect basal cleavage, breaking into thin sheets. Feldspar minerals like orthoclase and plagioclase show two directions of cleavage at nearly right angles. Cleavage properties can help in distinguishing these minerals from one another.


Cleavableness Examples

  1. The cleavableness of the diamond made it perfect for cutting glass.
  2. Her dress had a high cleavableness, showing off her décolletage.
  3. The chef demonstrated the cleavableness of the knife by effortlessly slicing through the steak.
  4. The sculptor admired the cleavableness of the marble as he carved out intricate details.
  5. The rock climber appreciated the cleavableness of the cliff, making it easy to find handholds.
  6. The woodworker marveled at the cleavableness of the oak, allowing for precise cuts in his craftsmanship.
  7. The scientist studied the cleavableness of minerals to understand their crystal structures.
  8. The dancer's movements showcased the cleavableness of her muscles, highlighting her strength and flexibility.
  9. The architect utilized the cleavableness of the stone to create a visually striking facade for the building.
  10. The tailor chose a fabric with high cleavableness for the gown, ensuring it draped elegantly on the client.


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  • Updated 02/07/2024 - 19:03:47