CHP 6 # 1: Optical Properties of Minerals: CHP 6 Part #1

What does it mean when we say something has a "metallic luster"?

• Absorbs light like a metal, making it dull in appearance.
• Emits light like a metal, giving it a glowing effect.
• Reflects light like a metal, giving it a shiny appearance.
• Changes color like a metal, creating a rainbow effect.

What is a submetallic luster?

• A submetallic luster is a type of luster exhibited by minerals that have a dull appearance
• A submetallic luster is a type of luster exhibited by minerals that have a slightly shiny appearance but are not as reflective as metallic minerals.
• A submetallic luster is a type of luster exhibited by minerals that have a very high reflective surface
• A submetallic luster is a type of luster exhibited by minerals that have a transparent appearance

What does it mean if a mineral is opaque?

• It allows light to pass through
• It is transparent
• It is flexible
• Light cannot pass through it

What does it mean if a mineral is translucent?

• It indicates the mineral is extremely hard.
• Light can pass through, but the image is not clear.
• It means the mineral is magnetic.
• Light cannot pass through at all.

What does it mean if a mineral is described as submetallic luster?

• The mineral has a slight metallic shine but is not as reflective as minerals with metallic luster.
• The mineral has a rough texture with high reflectivity
• The mineral has a smooth surface with no reflection
• The mineral has a dull appearance with no shine

Gold has a shiny appearance and is said to have a _____ luster.

• metallic
• matte
• sparkling
• dull

Minerals that are impenetrable to light are referred to as _____.

• shiny
• translucent
• transparent
• opaque

The appearance of a mineral in its powdered form that can also be used to distinguish it from another mineral is referred to as the mineral's _____.

• cleavage
• hardness
• streak
• color