Fracture

[Diermint]

A fracture is a chip or break on a diamond that is not in the direction of a cleavage plane. Irregular in shape, they usually appear step-like or as a splinter.

 

[niceice]

A fracture is commonly referred to as a "feather" on diamond grading reports because it often resembles a feather. While many feathers are minor and of no consequence others like this one should generally be avoided: