The physical properties of a diamond

The physical properties of a diamond.

Cleavage. The diamond has a pronounced cleavage parallel to the octahedron faces. This is used for cutting (splitting) and grinding. When the blade applied to the diamond is lightly tapped in the direction of the cleavage plane, the diamond is split on …

The fragility of minerals

The fragility of minerals.

Under the action of mechanical factors, such as hitting or pressing down with the blade of a knife in a certain direction, crushing, sudden cooling down or heating up, some minerals decompose properly into pieces bounded by flat surfaces. This property is called cleavage. She is …