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Multiple Choice
The strong tendency of certain minerals to break along smooth, parallel planes is known as:
A
luster
B
fracture
C
hardness
D
cleavage
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that the question is asking for the term that describes the tendency of minerals to break along smooth, parallel planes.
Recall the definitions of the given options: 'luster' refers to how light reflects from a mineral's surface, 'fracture' describes an irregular break, and 'hardness' measures resistance to scratching.
Recognize that the term 'cleavage' specifically describes the property of minerals breaking along smooth, flat, parallel planes due to their crystal structure.
Identify that 'cleavage' is the correct term that matches the description given in the problem.
Conclude that the strong tendency of certain minerals to break along smooth, parallel planes is called 'cleavage'.