metallic luster
Metal's surface gleam
Metallic luster is the shiny, reflective quality characteristic of metals—the way gold, silver, and copper catch and reflect light.
In mineralogy, luster describes how a surface interacts with light, and metallic luster specifically indicates that mirror-like gleam seen in native metals and certain ores: The pyrite had a bright metallic luster that fooled prospectors into thinking they'd found gold.
- pyriteBrass-yellow iron sulfide
- copperReddish-brown metallic element
- silverLustrous white precious metal
- precious metalsRare, valuable metallic elements
- goldElement seventy-nine
sheen · galena · reflectivity · burnished · high shine · aluminum · specular reflection · light reflection · gloss · platinum · chromium · chrome plating · surface texture · metallurgy · mercury · tin foil · brilliance · light scattering
metallic lustermatte finish
Non-reflective surface treatment
dull finish · flat finish · non-reflective · matte · lusterless
metallic lusterunpolished
Lacking finish or refinement
tarnished · rough texture · porous surface · rough finish · natural finish