Final answer:
Gold has a metallic luster because it reflects light and does not allow light to pass through its atomic structure, which is a signature of metallic minerals. Additionally, gold exhibits characteristics such as shininess and good electrical conductivity, which are typical of metals with metallic luster.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gold is opaque and reflective. It has a metallic luster. This is because the term luster refers to how light interacts with the surface of a mineral, and in the case of gold, its luster is specifically metallic because it does not allow light to pass through its atomic structure.
Unlike non-metallic minerals, metallic minerals such as gold are shiny, malleable, ductile, and they conduct heat and electricity well. They can exhibit variable hardness and melting temperatures as well, further illustrating the typical characteristics of metals with a metallic luster.