The tendency of minerals to break with rough or jagged surfaces

FRACTURE

Explanation:

A fracture is often defined as a separation in a rock formation. It is similar to the joints and faults that splits the rock surface into a number of pieces. These fractures can be deep sometimes depending on the energy that breaks them. It is mainly produced by the compressional or tensile stress that acts on them. When this stress amount exceeds the strength of the rock, it allows the rock to break along a weak plane.

These fractures are also sometimes a good source of holding hydrocarbon.

Thus, fracture is an important physical property in studying the rocks.