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Lustre (mineralogy) Lustre ( British English) or luster ( American English; see spelling differences) is the way light interacts with the surface of a crystal, rock, or mineral. The word traces its origins back to the Latin lux, meaning "light", and generally implies radiance, gloss, or brilliance. A range of terms are used to describe lustre ...
Lodestone is one of only a very few minerals that is found naturally magnetized. [1] Magnetite is black or brownish-black, with a metallic luster , a Mohs hardness of 5.5–6.5 and a black streak .
Corundum. Corundum is a crystalline form of aluminium oxide ( Al2O3) typically containing traces of iron, titanium, vanadium, and chromium. [ 3][ 4] It is a rock -forming mineral. It is a naturally transparent material, but can have different colors depending on the presence of transition metal impurities in its crystalline structure. [ 7]
Topaz is a silicate mineral made of aluminum and fluorine with the chemical formula Al 2 Si O 4 (F, OH) 2.It is used as a gemstone in jewelry and other adornments. Common topaz in its natural state is colorless, though trace element impurities can make it pale blue or golden brown to yellow-orange. [7]
Mineral assemblage of igneous rocks. Diorite ( / ˈdaɪ.əraɪt / DY-ə-ryte) [ 1][ 2] is an intrusive igneous rock formed by the slow cooling underground of magma (molten rock) that has a moderate content of silica and a relatively low content of alkali metals. It is intermediate in composition between low-silica ( mafic) gabbro and high ...
Gemstone. Group of precious and semiprecious stones—both uncut and faceted—including ( clockwise from top left) diamond, uncut synthetic sapphire, ruby, uncut emerald, and amethyst crystal cluster. A gemstone (also called a fine gem, jewel, precious stone, semiprecious stone, or simply gem) is a piece of mineral crystal which, when cut or ...
Diamond[ a] is a gemstone formed by cutting a raw diamond. Diamonds are one of the best-known and most sought-after gems, and they have been used as decorative items since ancient times. The hardness of diamond and its high dispersion of light —giving the diamond its characteristic "fire"—make it useful for industrial applications and ...
Talc, or talcum, is a clay mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate, with the chemical formula Mg3Si4O10(OH)2. Talc in powdered form, often combined with corn starch, is used as baby powder. This mineral is used as a thickening agent and lubricant. It is an ingredient in ceramics, paints, and roofing material.