Cleaving

Term: CleavingDefinition: The act of splitting or dividing a mineral along its natural planes of weakness.Phonetic Pronunciation: (KLEE-ving)Origin: The term "cleaving" derives from the Old English word "clēofan," meaning to split or divide. This term has been used in mineralogy to describe the characteristic way in which minerals break along specific planes, which is determined by their internal crystalline structure.Significance in Asbestos Context: In the context of asbestos, cleaving is significant because it relates to how asbestos fibers can be easily separated into thin, flexible, and durable strands. This property is crucial for understanding how asbestos can become airborne and inhaled, leading to health risks.Example Sentence: The ease of cleaving asbestos fibers contributes to their widespread use in industrial applications, but also increases the risk of respiratory exposure.Related Terms: Fracture, Crystal Structure, Fibrous, Asbestiform, SerpentineNotes: - Cleaving should not be confused with fracturing, which is a more random breaking of minerals. - The ability of asbestos to cleave into fine fibers is a key factor in its toxicity.