Fracture Collection, Set of 10

Quick Answer: A set of 10 labelled mineral specimens chosen to demonstrate fracture — irregular breakage that does not follow a flat plane — the natural companion property to cleavage in mineral identification.

The Fracture Collection, Set of 10 completes the breakage half of mineral identification alongside a cleavage set. Where cleavage produces flat, repeatable planes, fracture describes breaks that do not follow any particular plane, and the pattern of that irregular break is itself diagnostic.

Common fracture types taught in earth science include conchoidal fracture, which produces smooth, curved, shell-like surfaces (the same kind of break seen in glass); uneven or irregular fracture, with a rough, non-directional surface; and splintery or fibrous fracture, which breaks into thin, needle-like pieces. This set gives students labelled examples so they can learn to recognise these patterns directly.

Because some minerals show cleavage in one direction and fracture in another, comparing this set with a cleavage collection helps students understand that breakage behaviour in minerals is often more complex than a single label suggests.

This fracture set is designed to work alongside LabEquip’s Educational Rock and Minerals range. Pair it directly with the Cleavage Collection, Set of 10 to teach both halves of mineral breakage behaviour, and with the Mohs Hardness Set for a complete identification unit.

What is included in the Fracture Collection, Set of 10?
The set contains 10 individually labelled mineral specimens chosen to show different fracture types, such as conchoidal, uneven or splintery fracture, supplied in a compartmented tray.

What is mineral fracture, and how is it different from cleavage?
Fracture is an irregular break that does not follow a flat plane, while cleavage is a break along smooth, repeatable planes controlled by crystal structure. Some minerals show only one behaviour; others show both in different directions.

What fracture types does this set illustrate?
Common examples include conchoidal fracture (smooth, curved, shell-like breaks), uneven or irregular fracture, and splintery or fibrous fracture.

What subjects or grade levels is this set suited for?
It is designed for secondary school earth science and introductory mineralogy or geology classes covering physical mineral properties.

Are the fracture specimens safe to handle in class?
They should be handled with care, since fracture surfaces such as conchoidal breaks can be sharp, similar to broken glass. Supervision is recommended with younger students.

Does LabEquip offer a companion cleavage or hardness set?
Yes. The Cleavage Collection, Set of 10 and the Mohs Hardness Set both pair well with this fracture set for a complete mineral identification unit.