The words waxy, pearly, and dull describe a mineral's luster.
A waxy luster gives minerals a shiny appearance.
No, diamond does not have a non-metallic luster; it exhibits a brilliant, adamantine luster, which is often described as glassy or reflective. This unique luster results from its strong covalent bonding and crystal structure, allowing it to reflect light exceptionally well. Non-metallic luster typically refers to materials with a more subdued sheen, such as dull, pearly, or waxy surfaces, which do not apply to diamonds.
Flint is a rock, not a mineral, and so lustre does not really apply, but freshly fractured flint is typically vitreous or occasionally waxy, while the 'rind' on the nodules is dull.
Native metals are minerals. The only metals that commonly occur in native form are copper, silver, gold, and platinum.
A cactus' waxy skin helps it retain moisture in desert climates.
luster
hardness
These are terms that reference the mineral's luster (or lustre).
Earthy, shiny, waxy, metallic, and pearly are terms used to describe the luster of minerals, which indicates how light interacts with their surface. Earthy luster appears dull and resembles soil, while shiny luster reflects light more effectively. Waxy luster gives a smooth, somewhat translucent appearance, metallic luster has a reflective quality similar to metals, and pearly luster resembles the sheen of a pearl. These descriptors help in identifying and classifying minerals based on their visual properties.
Luster is categorized as metallic or non-metallic. Metallic luster is highly reflective, like chrome. Non-metallic is further divided by names such as dull, glassy, adamantine, waxy, silky, pearly, and greasy.
No, not all minerals have a glassy luster. Minerals can display a variety of lusters, including metallic, dull, pearly, and waxy, depending on their composition and crystal structure.
Earthy shiney waxy mattalic and pearly are terms used to describe a mineral's surface.
Earthy, shiny, waxy, metallic, and pearly are terms used to describe the luster or visual quality of minerals and gemstones. These descriptors indicate how light interacts with the surface of a material, influencing its appearance. For instance, a metallic luster reflects light like metal, while a pearly luster resembles the sheen of a pearl. Each term helps classify minerals based on their visual characteristics, aiding in identification and understanding of their properties.
Flint typically has a dull or matte luster. It is not known for being shiny or reflective like some other minerals.
Magnetite crystals have a metallic lustre.
Vitreous. Otherwise, no.
Luster is categorized as metallic or non-metallic. Metallic luster is highly reflective, like chrome. Non-metallic is further divided by names such as dull, glassy, adamantine, waxy, silky, pearly, and greasy.