What is luster in geology?
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In geology, "luster" is called ligth or shine which is reflect from the mineral's surface. It is a used to identify and classify minerals. Luster can be described using various terms, including: 1. Metallic Luster: Minerals with a metallic luster show reflection of shiny and reflective, similar toRead more
In geology, “luster” is called ligth or shine which is reflect from the mineral’s surface. It is a used to identify and classify minerals. Luster can be described using various terms, including:
1. Metallic Luster: Minerals with a metallic luster show reflection of shiny and reflective, similar to the metal surfaces. Examples include pyrite and galena.
2. Non-Metallic Luster: Minerals with a non-metallic luster do not have the same reflective quality as metals. Non-metallic lusters are further categorized into several subtypes, including:
– Vitreous Luster: Resembles the shine of glass and is often seen in minerals like quartz.
– Adamantine Luster: look like the brilliance of a diamond and is found in minerals like diamond and corundum.
– Pearly Luster: Gives the mineral a soft, pearly sheen, as seen in minerals like talc.
– Silky Luster: Creates a silky, fibrous appearance, often found in minerals like gypsum.
– Resinous Luster: Gives the mineral a glossy, resin-like shine, seen in minerals like amber.
– Greasy Luster: Creates a greasy or oily appearance on the mineral’s surface, found in minerals like nepheline.
Luster is one of the visual properties geologists use alongside other characteristics like color, streak, hardness, cleavage, and specific gravity to help identify and classify minerals in the field or in a laboratory setting.
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