Luster is a physical property of minerals and describes the quality of light reflected from its surface. There are many different types of luster, including:
* Metallic: Shiny, like a metal (e.g., pyrite)
* Non-metallic:
* Vitreous: Glassy (e.g., quartz)
* Adamantine: Very brilliant, like a diamond (e.g., diamond)
* Resinous: Like resin (e.g., amber)
* Pearly: Like a pearl (e.g., talc)
* Silky: Like silk (e.g., asbestos)
* Dull: Non-reflective (e.g., clay)
* Earthy: Like soil (e.g., hematite)
Luster can be a helpful tool for identifying minerals, especially when combined with other physical properties like color, hardness, and streak.
