What defines a fracture in gemology?

In gemology, a fracture is defined as a break in a gemstone that occurs independently of cleavage or parting. Cleavage refers to the tendency of a mineral to break along specific planes of weakness, resulting in smooth, flat surfaces, while parting is related to mineralogical factors that may cause similar behavior. Fractures, on the other hand, produce irregular surfaces that are not aligned with the crystal structure, indicating that the break happened due to external forces such as impact or pressure.

This definition is crucial for gemologists as it helps differentiate between types of structural weaknesses in gemstones. Understanding fractures and their implications can also inform assessments of a gem's durability and overall quality. Such knowledge is essential for grading and appraisal processes within the industry.