Mineral Cleavage and Fracture

Warm-up What are the characteristics we use to identify a mineral?

Crystals, not cleavage Some minerals may be tricky – they look like they have good cleavage but it’s just the crystal shape Remember – cleavage is about how it breaks!

Fracture Uneven Conchoidal

Lab Make a chart in your notebook – there are 12 stations At each station write the name of the mineral and what cleavage/fracture you think it has. Be sure to record what the cleavage is (perfect, good, or poor) How many planes of cleavage? If it’s fracture, is it uneven or conchoidal? I will tell you when to rotate to the next station Check it with me if you are unsure!