metallic lustre

mineralogy

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June 30, 2026

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In mineralogy, metallic luster describes the appearance of a mineral's surface when it reflects light in a way that resembles untarnished metals like gold, silver, or steel. Minerals with this characteristic are typically opaque, meaning light cannot pass through them, even at thin edges.12

Common examples of minerals exhibiting metallic luster include pyrite, chalcopyrite, and galena. This type of luster is distinct from nonmetallic lusters, which are seen in minerals that transmit light and include descriptions like vitreous (glass-like), resinous, pearly, greasy, silky, and adamantine (diamond-like).23

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mineral
Lustre
The main types of lustre, metallic and nonmetallic, are distinguished easily by the human eye after some practice, but the difference between them cannot be quantified and is rather difficult to describe. Metallic refers to the lustre of an untarnished metallic surface such as gold, silver, copper, or steel. These…
Read More
The main types of lustre, metallic and nonmetallic, are distinguished easily by the human eye after some practice, but the difference between them cannot be quantified and is rather difficult to describe. Metallic refers to the lustre of an untarnished metallic surface such as gold, silver, copper, or steel. These…
Read More