Sectility

Sectility is the property of a mineral which allows it to be cut smoothly with a knife, without crumbling or fracturing. Sectile minerals yield shavings or slices, rather than simply powdering or breaking apart when cut. The term is most commonly used in mineralogy as a descriptor of a mineral's tenacity, specifically its resistance to cutting. Sectility is related to, but distinct from, other aspects of tenacity like malleability (ability to be hammered into thin sheets) and ductility (ability to be drawn into wires). A mineral described as sectile is generally soft.