Mineral Luster: How Light Reveals the Beauty of Crystals
What Is Mineral Luster?
When light strikes a mineral, part of it penetrates inside the crystal, while another part is reflected back from the surface. This reflected light is called *luster*. Its intensity depends on the refractive index and surface properties of the mineral.
Types of Mineral Luster
Metallic Luster
Typical of opaque minerals with high refractive indices (>3).
galena, pyrite, hematite, native metals.
galena, pyrite, hematite, native metals.
Submetallic Luster
Less intense than metallic.
graphite, cinnabar.
graphite, cinnabar.
Non-Metallic Luster
Most minerals belong here, with subtypes:
Glassy (Vitreous)
Quartz, fluorite, calcite, garnets.
Adamantine (Diamond-Like)
Diamond, zircon, rutile, sphalerite.
Greasy
Sulfur, amber, nepheline.
Pearly
Muscovite, talc, selenite.
Silky
Asbestos, fibrous gypsum, scolecite.
Dull / Earthy
Kaolinite, bauxite, chalk, staurolite.
Luster Matters
Luster is one of the fundamental diagnostic features in mineral identification. Even without special instruments, collectors can often recognize minerals just by the way they reflect light.
Explore More
Want to see minerals with different types of luster in real life?
Browse our Catalog of Minerals and Crystals and discover specimens with metallic brilliance, diamond sparkle, and silky elegance.
Browse our Catalog of Minerals and Crystals and discover specimens with metallic brilliance, diamond sparkle, and silky elegance.
