One property that may be used to distinguish metallic from nonmetallic minerals is lustre. Metallic minerals have a shiny or reflective appearance, while nonmetallic minerals have a dull appearance. This difference in lustre is due to the different ways that metallic and nonmetallic minerals interact with light. Metallic minerals contain atoms that are arranged in a regular, repeating pattern. These atoms reflect light in a way that produces a shiny appearance. Nonmetallic minerals, on the other hand, contain atoms that are arranged in a more random pattern. These atoms scatter light in a way that produces a dull appearance.