Understanding Wax Luster in Minerals

Questions and Answers

What is the characteristic appearance of minerals or crystals with a waxy luster?

They have a metallic shine.

They exhibit a bright, reflective surface.

They resemble the shine of a wax candle. (correct)

They appear dull and earthy.

Which of the following minerals is NOT listed as having a waxy luster?

Marble (correct)

Turquoise

Uranospinite

Chalcedony

How does waxy luster primarily differ from greasy luster?

Waxy luster is completely dull compared to greasy luster.

Waxy luster appears brighter than greasy luster.

Waxy luster is exclusively found in yellow minerals.

Waxy luster reflects less light and is more matte. (correct)

Which term is NOT used to describe different types of mineral luster?

Malleable Signup and view all the answers

What is the visibility of minerals with a waxy luster usually like?

Translucent to semi-transparent. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following minerals can exhibit both waxy and vitreous luster?

Chalcedony Signup and view all the answers

What effect can polishing have on minerals with a waxy luster?

It enhances their appearance and color. Signup and view all the answers

Which description best differentiates waxy luster from earthy luster?

Waxy luster shines more than earthy luster. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Waxy Luster Overview

Waxy luster resembles the shine of wax candles, reflecting moderate light and exhibiting a soft sheen.
It is characterized as being more matte than greasy but not as dull as earthy lusters.

Definition and Characteristics

Waxy luster refers to minerals that reflect light in a way similar to beeswax or paraffin.
Typically, waxy minerals are semi-transparent to translucent, often resulting from tiny mineral aggregates that scatter light.
Polishing can enhance the appearance and color of waxy luster minerals.

Descriptive Terms for Luster

Luster is measured qualitatively and quantitatively, categorizing light reflection with terms like:
- Metallic
- Submetallic
- Non-metallic (vitreous, waxy, resinous, pearly, dull, earthy, adamantine, greasy)

Notable Minerals with Waxy Luster

Examples of minerals exhibiting waxy luster:
- Turquoise
- Shannonite
- Evenkite
- Schlossmacherite
- Wax opal
- Uranospinite
Schlossmacherite can occasionally possess a vitreous luster.

Other Minerals and Lusters

Chalcedony, a form of quartz, predominantly exhibits a waxy luster but can also appear vitreous, greasy, silky, or dull.
Serpentine, especially in yellow or yellow-green varieties, is another example of a waxy mineral.

Description

This quiz explores the fascinating world of mineral lusters, focusing specifically on waxy luster. Participants will learn about various minerals that exhibit this shine, including turquoise and jadeite, and how luster is measured in the context of mineral appearance. Test your knowledge of these unique characteristics!