Recognition of the kind and degree of luster of some minerals is
an aid to identification. This collection provides examples of both metallic and
non-metallic types of luster. 15 specimens approximately 1 1/2" x 1 1/2",
number-coded.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF MINERALS: LUSTER
Luster is the physical property of minerals which describes the appearance of reflected
light from fresh mineral surfaces. Lusters fall into two basic categories, Metallic
(opaque and metal-like) and Non-metallic (transparent in fine thin particles immersed in
liquid).
The surface appearance of non-metallic minerals is
further described as being adamantine (brilliantly reflecting), vitreous (bright and shiny
such as broken glass), earthy, waxy, resinous, pearly, silky, greasy and dull.
METALLIC
1. Galena Metallic
2. Magnetite Dull metallic
3. Pyrite Metallic
NON-METALLIC
4. Milky Quartz Vitreous
5. Sulfur Resinous to greasy
6. Microcline Feldspar Vitreous to pearly
7. Rose Quartz Vitreous
8. Nepheline Greasy to pearly
9. Lepidolite Vitreous to pearly
10. Calcite Subvitreous to vitreous
11. Muscovite Vitreous to pearly
12. Chalcedony Waxy to dull
13. Satin Spar gypsum Silky
14. Alabaster gypsum Dull to earthy
15. Quartz crystal Adamantine
* WARNING: This product contains the mineral galena, a
naturally occurring lead compound. Avoid consuming or inhaling. Wash hands thoroughly
after handling all rock or mineral samples.
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