Questions and Answers
What does luster refer to?
What are the two main types of luster?
Metallic and nonmetallic
Name the types of nonmetallic luster.
Vitreous, resinous, pearly, greasy, silky, adamantine, dull
What is vitreous luster?
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What does resinous luster refer to?
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What is pearly luster?
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What does greasy luster look like?
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What is silky luster?
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What does adamantine luster mean?
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What is dull luster?
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What characterizes metallic luster?
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Study Notes
Luster Overview
- Luster indicates how light interacts with the surface of a mineral.
- Two primary categories exist: metallic and nonmetallic luster.
Types of Nonmetallic Luster
- Vitreous: Resembles the sheen of glass, associated with minerals that reflect light similarly.
- Resinous: Exhibits a luster similar to resin; exemplified by sphalerite.
- Pearly: Mimics the iridescence of pearls, recognizable on cleavage faces of minerals with perfect cleavage.
- Greasy: Appears as though coated in a light film of oil, contributing to a unique visual characteristic.
- Silky: Reflects the smooth sheen of silk, typically found in minerals with fine parallel fibers like chrysotile asbestos. An example is gypsum.
- Adamantine: Characterized by the hard, sparkling appearance akin to diamonds, noted for high brilliance.
- Dull: Displays a non-reflective surface that lacks metallic qualities, presenting a plain appearance.
Metallic Luster
- Metallic: Conveys the appearance of polished metal, giving minerals a shiny and reflective quality.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the concept of luster in minerals with this quiz. Learn about the different types of luster, including metallic and nonmetallic variations, as well as specific terms associated with them. Perfect for those studying minerals and geology.