Question

Due to the arrangement of weaker bonds in their crystal lattice, the tendency of certain minerals to break along smooth, parallel planes is known as ________. A) luster B) streak C) crystal habit D) cleavage

Answer 1

Answer:

Option (D)

Explanation:

Cleavage is usually defined as the line along which a mineral breaks. It is one of the physical properties of a mineral and is formed due to the alignment of a weaker type of bond that is located between the atoms within a crystal lattice.

The type of cleavage that forms in a mineral directly depends upon the type of rock, degree of metamorphism and deformation that occurs in the rocks. For example, Fluorite has a perfect type of cleavage in 4 directions forming octahedrons and Calcite has perfect rhombohedral cleavage.

Thus, the correct answer is option (D).