Luster is one of the physical properties used to identify minerals. It describes the quality and intensity of light reflected from the mineral's surface. There are many different types of luster, including:
* Metallic: Looks like polished metal (e.g., pyrite)
* Non-metallic:
* Vitreous: Glassy (e.g., quartz)
* Resinous: Like resin (e.g., amber)
* Pearly: Like a pearl (e.g., muscovite mica)
* Silky: Like silk (e.g., asbestos)
* Dull: No shine (e.g., clay)
* Earthy: Like soil (e.g., bauxite)
* Adamantine: Very bright and brilliant (e.g., diamond)
* Greasy: Looks like it is covered in grease (e.g., serpentine)
Luster can be a helpful tool in identifying minerals.
