The main objective of this study is to understand rock breakage behaviours which may provide a means to improve fragmentation efficiency. In this study, numerical modelling technology and image analysis are used to investigate the behaviour of actual rocks in the breakage process. A texture-based finite element method (FEM) modelling technique has been developed to present a realistic modelling method for characterizing heterogeneous rock breakage behaviour according to its actual microstructure using integrated microscopic observation, image analysis and numerical modelling. Understanding the role of texture and crack propagation can provide fundamental knowledge for predicting and improving energy-efficiency of comminution. A number of samples were analysed with the aim of providing key information on mineralogical and textural controls which primarily influence preferential liberation. The results in this study demonstrated that mineral distributions and minerals with lower tensile strength play a very important role in the breakage process. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.