Bearding is defined as...

Bearding is defined as...

• A. The presence of tiny feather inclusions.
• B. A color zoning.
• C. A surface texture defect affecting luster.
• D. The appearance of minute fractures perpendicular to a bruted girdle.

Answer: (D)

Bearding refers to minute fractures that appear as hairline cracks along the girdle, specifically perpendicular to a bruted girdle. These cracks form during bruting, the finishing step that shapes the girdle, and show up under magnification as thin, hairlike lines around the edge. It’s a surface defect tied to the girdle finishing, not an internal inclusion or a color issue. The other descriptions describe different phenomena—internal feather inclusions, color zoning, or general surface texture problems—that don’t capture the distinct hairline cracks radiating from the girdle itself.

Bearding refers to minute fractures that appear as hairline cracks along the girdle, specifically perpendicular to a bruted girdle. These cracks form during bruting, the finishing step that shapes the girdle, and show up under magnification as thin, hairlike lines around the edge. It’s a surface defect tied to the girdle finishing, not an internal inclusion or a color issue. The other descriptions describe different phenomena—internal feather inclusions, color zoning, or general surface texture problems—that don’t capture the distinct hairline cracks radiating from the girdle itself.