cleave

(transitive) To split or sever something with, or as if with, a sharp instrument.

(transitive, mineralogy) To break a single crystal (such as a gemstone or semiconductor wafer) along one of its more symmetrical crystallographic planes (often by impact), forming facets on the resulting pieces.

(transitive) To make or accomplish by or as if by cutting.

(transitive, chemistry) To split (a complex molecule) into simpler molecules.

(intransitive) To split.

(intransitive, mineralogy) Of a crystal, to split along a natural plane of division.