The term for the way a mineral reflects light from its surface is:

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Prepare for the Geosphere Exam. Test your knowledge with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question is supported by hints and explanations. Gear up for success!

Multiple Choice

The term for the way a mineral reflects light from its surface is:

Explanation:
Luster describes how a mineral's surface reflects light, giving it its surface sheen. It’s about the appearance when light hits the mineral, not its color or the color of the powder left when rubbed. Luster can be metallic, as on pyrite, or nonmetallic, ranging from glassy (vitreous) to pearly, silky, or dull. This is different from color (the mineral’s visible hue), streak (the color of its powder), and hardness (how easily it scratches). So the term that matches “the way a mineral reflects light from its surface” is luster.

Luster describes how a mineral's surface reflects light, giving it its surface sheen. It’s about the appearance when light hits the mineral, not its color or the color of the powder left when rubbed. Luster can be metallic, as on pyrite, or nonmetallic, ranging from glassy (vitreous) to pearly, silky, or dull. This is different from color (the mineral’s visible hue), streak (the color of its powder), and hardness (how easily it scratches). So the term that matches “the way a mineral reflects light from its surface” is luster.

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