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Minerals that have strong bonds between flat crystal surfaces tend to

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Minerals that have strong bonds between flat crystal surfaces tend to have a high degree of cleavage. Cleavage refers to the tendency of a mineral to break along flat, smooth planes. These planes are the result of the strong bonds between the crystal surfaces.

When a mineral with cleavage is subjected to stress or pressure, it will break along these planes, resulting in smooth and flat surfaces. This is because the bonds between the crystal surfaces are stronger than the bonds within the crystal structure itself.

For example, mica is a mineral that exhibits excellent cleavage. It consists of thin, flat sheets that can easily be separated along these planes. Similarly, minerals such as calcite and halite also exhibit cleavage due to the strong bonds between their crystal surfaces.

In contrast, minerals with weaker bonds between their crystal surfaces tend to have more irregular fracture patterns when they break, rather than cleavage planes. This is because the bonds within the crystal structure are relatively stronger than the bonds between the crystal surfaces.

Overall, the presence of strong bonds between flat crystal surfaces in minerals leads to cleavage, which is a characteristic property used to identify and classify minerals.

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