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Luster Collection, Set of 10
Ten hand-selected specimens (Metallic to Earthy lusters): Enables students to classify and differentiate mineral groups based on light reflection profiles, essential for objective diagnostic petrology.
Ruggedized Glass-Front Showcase: Preserves crystalline surfaces from tactile degradation, allowing for the repeated evaluation of authentic optical properties across multiple lab cohorts.
₹420.00
Quick Answer: A set of 10 labelled mineral specimens chosen to demonstrate luster — how a mineral’s surface reflects light — usually the very first property students notice when learning mineral identification.
Product Description
The Luster Collection, Set of 10 focuses on luster, the quality of light reflected from a mineral’s surface. Luster is often the first thing a student notices about a specimen, but it is easy to confuse with colour; two minerals of very different colours can share the same luster type, and vice versa, which makes a dedicated set valuable for building accurate observation habits.
Mineralogists divide luster into two broad groups: metallic, which looks like polished metal (common in many ore minerals), and non-metallic, which covers a wide range including glassy (vitreous), pearly, silky, resinous, greasy and dull or earthy. This ten-specimen set gives students labelled examples across that range so they can practise describing luster with the correct vocabulary.
Because luster is usually the starting point for a full identification workflow, this set works well as a first step before moving on to properties such as hardness, streak and cleavage.
Specimen Details
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Mineral physical-property teaching set (luster) |
| Set Size | 10 labelled specimens |
| Specimen Form | Small hand samples, individually labelled |
| Typical Lusters Illustrated | Metallic and non-metallic types such as glassy, pearly, silky, resinous, greasy and dull/earthy |
| Storage | Compartmented tray or box |
| Recommended Level | Secondary school earth science, introductory mineralogy |
Applications
- Learning to describe and categorise luster using correct mineralogical vocabulary
- Distinguishing metallic ore minerals from non-metallic minerals at a glance
- Using luster as a starting point before hardness, streak or cleavage tests
- Earth science and geology coursework on physical mineral properties
- Building observational skills for mineral identification
Care & Handling
- Handle by the edges where possible to avoid smudging glassy or polished surfaces with fingerprints
- Return each piece to its labelled tray slot after use
- Store away from moisture and direct sunlight, which can dull some surfaces over time
- Wipe gently with a soft dry cloth if a specimen becomes smudged
- Avoid scratching specimens, which is best reserved for a dedicated hardness set
Why Choose LabEquip
LabEquip’s Educational Rock and Minerals range covers luster alongside every other core identification property. This set pairs well with the Feel Property Collection, Set of 10 for comparing light-based and touch-based properties, and with the Mohs Hardness Set for a complete identification workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Luster Collection, Set of 10?
The set contains 10 individually labelled mineral specimens chosen to show a range of luster types, from metallic to glassy, pearly, silky or dull, supplied in a compartmented tray.
What is mineral luster?
Luster describes the quality of light reflected from a mineral’s surface, categorised broadly into metallic and non-metallic types. It is a different property from colour, though the two are often confused by beginners.
Why is luster usually taught first in mineral identification?
Luster is typically the most immediately visible property, making it a natural starting point before moving on to properties that require more testing, such as hardness, streak or cleavage.
What subjects or grade levels is this set suited for?
It is designed for secondary school earth science and introductory mineralogy classes covering physical mineral properties.
How should the luster specimens be handled to keep them useful for demonstration?
Handle by the edges where possible to avoid fingerprint smudges on glassy or polished surfaces, and store in a dry area away from direct sunlight.
Does LabEquip offer companion sets for a full mineral identification unit?
Yes. The Feel Property Collection, Set of 10 and the Mohs Hardness Set both complement this luster-based set for teaching multiple identification properties together.
Last Updated: September 2026
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