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Explain the difference between luster and streak

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Final answer:

Luster is the way a mineral reflects light, while streak is the color of the powdered form of a mineral. The difference between luster and streak is that a mineral can have a metallic luster but a streak color that is different.


Step-by-step explanation:

Luster refers to the way a mineral reflects light. It is the way a mineral shines or sparkles when light strikes its surface. Examples of luster include metallic, glassy, pearly, and dull.

Streak is the color of the powdered form of a mineral. To determine the streak, you need to rub the mineral against an unglazed porcelain plate. The color left behind on the plate is the streak color.

An example of the difference between luster and streak is that a mineral can have a metallic luster but a streak color that is different, like a black streak on a mineral with a metallic luster.


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