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Luster identification and geology

The quality and intensity of light reflected from a mineral's surface, determined by its refractive index, absorption coefficient, and surface texture. The two primary categories are metallic the reflective appearance of polished metal and non-metallic, with subtypes including vitreous glass-like , adamantine brilliant , resinous, silky, pearly, waxy, greasy, and earthy dull . Luster is one of the first properties observed during mineral identification. Field: mineralogy. Example: Galena displays a bright metallic luster on fresh cleavage surfaces, but it tarnishes to a dull gray on weathered surfaces—always assess luster on a fresh break for accurate identification.. Related terms: Refractive index, Metallic, Vitreous, Diaphaneity.

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Sources, scope & corrections

These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.

Editorial owner
GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T15:19:42.027557+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
  • USGS Thesaurus — U.S. Geological Survey. Controlled earth-science terminology used to describe USGS information resources.
  • Glossary of Geologic Terms — U.S. National Park Service. Geologic definitions prepared by the NPS Geologic Resources Inventory.

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Common questions

What does Luster mean in geology?
The quality and intensity of light reflected from a mineral's surface, determined by its refractive index, absorption coefficient, and surface texture. The two primary categories are metallic the reflective appearance of polished metal and non-metallic, with subtypes including vitreous glass-like , adamantine brilliant , resinous, silky, pearly, waxy, greasy, and earthy dull . Luster is one of the first properties observed during mineral identification.
What is an example of Luster?
Galena displays a bright metallic luster on fresh cleavage surfaces, but it tarnishes to a dull gray on weathered surfaces—always assess luster on a fresh break for accurate identification.
Which earth-science field uses the term Luster?
Luster is used in mineralogy.
Which terms are related to Luster?
Related terms in this reference are Refractive index, Metallic, Vitreous, Diaphaneity.

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