sectility

mineralogy

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July 13, 2026

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In mineralogy, sectile describes a mineral that can be cut with a knife, leaving a smooth surface. This property is related to a mineral's tenacity, which refers to the cohesive force between atoms in its structure.12

Minerals are identified by various physical properties, including hardness, crystal form, cleavage, fracture, streak, luster, color, and specific gravity. Sectility is one of these properties, distinguishing minerals like copper, silver, and gold, which can be cut cleanly. This contrasts with brittle minerals that fragment when struck or cut.32

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mineral
Tenacity
…particularly gold, silver, and copper); sectile, capable of being severed by the smooth cut of a knife (copper, silver, and gold are sectile); ductile, capable of being drawn into the form of a wire (gold, silver, and copper exhibit this property); flexible, bending easily and staying bent after the pressure…
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…particularly gold, silver, and copper); sectile, capable of being severed by the smooth cut of a knife (copper, silver, and gold are sectile); ductile, capable of being drawn into the form of a wire (gold, silver, and copper exhibit this property); flexible, bending easily and staying bent after the pressure…
Read More