How to Identify Minerals: 10 Steps to Mineral Identification

By Andrew Alden, About.com Guide

Luster is the way a mineral reflects light and the first key step in mineral identification. Look for luster on a fresh surface. The three major types of luster are metallic, glassy (vitreous) and dull. A luster between metallic and glassy is called adamantine, and a luster between glassy and dull is called resinous or waxy. See the gallery of mineral lusters for some examples and further explanation.