Cleavage
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Definition
The tendency of a crystalline mineral to break along flat, planar surfaces that correspond to directions of weakest atomic bonding in the crystal lattice.
Detailed Explanation
Cleavage is described by its quality (perfect, good, poor) and the number of directions it occurs in. Diamond has perfect octahedral cleavage in four directions, which diamond cutters exploit to split rough stones. Topaz has one perfect basal cleavage, making it susceptible to chipping if struck perpendicularly; this is why high-quality topaz jewelry should be set protectively. Emerald has poor cleavage in three directions combined with natural fractures, contributing to its relative fragility. Understanding cleavage is essential for safe cutting, setting, and wear recommendations.