Physical Property · Reviewed definition

Fracture

The way a material breaks where the break does not follow a cleavage plane.[1]

Plain English

What it means

Fracture describes non-cleavage break surfaces such as conchoidal or uneven breaks.

Why it matters

It contributes to identification and durability assessment.

Evidence

References

  1. 1
    More than the Mohs Scale: Gem Durability

    Gemological Institute of America

    Open source