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How does the cleavage of feldspar differ from the cleavage of mica?

In: Rocks and Minerals [Edit categories]

Answer:

Biotite (black mica) and muscovite (white mica) are both minerals that have perfect basal cleavage--one direction. It cleaves into thin sheets.

Feldspars (albite, oligoclase, andesine, labradorite, bytownite, anorthite) have good cleavage in two directions at nearly right angles, poor in a third direction.

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Relevant answers:

How is mica's cleavage?
Micas (Mica is a general term, as there are different kinds) have one perfect direction of cleavage. It is a planar crystal.
Does feldspar have cleavage?
It has both cleavage and fracture.
What is feldspar's cleavage?
2 at 90 degrees Here is a discussion on feldspar. It says it has uneven fracture and cleavage in 2 directions. http://www.theimage.com/mineral/feldspar/index.htm
What is the cleavage of mica?
Biotite (black mica) and muscovite (white mica) are both minerals and both have good to excellent cleavage in one direction.
Why is mica said to have a perfect cleavage?
As Mica splits perfectly parallel to its base, it is considered to have perfect basal cleavage. No other cleavage planes are present in Mica so the flaking occurs readily along this single plane. A...