Why doesn't quartz have any cleavages, only fractures?
A)All oxygens are shared between strongly bonded silicons in a 3-D framework.
B)All of the metallic cations form strong webs between the silicate chains.
C)It is made of pure silicon which is very strong.
D)It has strong helical chains in three perpendicular directions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Quartz has a 3-D framework made up of alternating silicate tetrahedra in which each oxygen is shared by two tetrahedra. This results in a very strong and rigid structure with no weak planes along which cleavage can occur. Instead, fractures occur when the bond between atoms is broken.

Why Doesn't Quartz Have Any Cleavages, Only Fractures