• Home
  • Chemistry
  • Astronomy
  • Energy
  • Nature
  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Electronics
  • Rock Luster: Understanding How Rocks Reflect Light | Geology Science
    The way a rock reflects light is called its luster.

    Luster is a descriptive term used in geology to describe the appearance of a mineral's surface in reflected light. There are many different types of luster, including:

    * Metallic: Looks like a polished metal, such as pyrite.

    * Non-metallic:

    * Vitreous: Glassy, like quartz.

    * Resinous: Like resin, such as amber.

    * Pearly: Like a pearl, such as moonstone.

    * Silky: Like silk, such as asbestos.

    * Dull: No shine, like chalk.

    * Earthy: Looks like dirt, such as hematite.

    * Adamantine: Extremely brilliant, like diamond.

    So, when you describe a rock as having a "metallic luster," you're saying that it reflects light in a way that makes it look like a polished metal.

    Science Discoveries © www.scienceaq.com