Lustre (American English: luster) is a description of the way light interacts with the surface of a crystal, rock or mineral. For example, a diamond is said to have an adamantine lustre and pyrite is said to have a metallic lustre. American English (AmE) is the dialect of the English language used mostly in the United States of America. ... It has been suggested that crystallization processes be merged into this article or section. ... Sedimentary, volcanic, plutonic, metamorphic rock types of North America. ... Minerals are natural compounds formed through geological processes. ... For other uses, see Diamond (disambiguation). ... The mineral pyrite, or iron pyrite, is iron disulfide, FeS2. ...

The word lustre traces its origins back to the Latin word lux, meaning "light", and generally implies radiance, gloss, or brilliance. It has been suggested that History of the Latin language be merged into this article or section. ...

Other descriptive terms used for gems include vitreous, like glass; resinous, like amber; waxy, like jade; greasy, like soapstone; pearly; and silky. Glass can be made transparent and flat, or into other shapes and colours as shown in this ball from the Verrerie of Brehat in Brittany. ... Amber pendants. ... A selection of antique, hand-crafted Chinese jadeite jade buttons Jade An ornamental stone, jade is a name applied to two different silicate minerals. ... The lid of a soapstone box to show the characteristic look of the stone. ...

The term is also used to describe other items with a particular sheen (for example, fabric, especially silk and satin, or metals). It has been suggested that Textile be merged into this article or section. ... Silk weaver Silk is a natural protein fiber that can be woven into textiles. ... Look up Satin in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... For alternative meanings see metal (disambiguation). ...

See also

• Hornblende for a description of lustrous ores.