In geology, a fracture is a break or crack in the Earth's crust that occurs when rocks are subjected to stress. Fractures can result from various geological processes, such as tectonic movements or the cooling and solidification of magma. On the other hand, a joint is a fracture in a rock formation where there has been no significant displacement. Joints can occur naturally due to stress, but they are also commonly created during mining or construction activities. Both fractures and joints are important in geology as they can affect the stability and behavior of rock masses.«Integrated structural geology and engineering rock mechanics approach to site characterization »