Testing Metallic Lustre: Metal vs. Non-Metal

In summary, the conversation was about finding information on how to determine the metallic lustre of a metal or non-metal. The person had searched online but could not find any relevant results. They were looking for answers or terms that could be used in a Google search. Some links and resources were shared, including a discussion of different types of lustre and their examples, as well as a suggestion to use spectroscopy or learn from an experienced professional to determine lustre.
  • #1
jordyjordyjordy
1
0
hey does anyone know how you can carry out an experiment to find out if a metal or non-metal has a metallic lustre?:confused:

i have tried looking all over the internet but i can't find anything...
if u could post answers or terms i can place into the google search panel it would be greatly appreciated

please and thank you :biggrin:
 
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  • #2
Well it is apparently difficult to find online a discussion of how to determine the 'lustre' of a metal or mineral.

Here is a discussion of 'lustre', but in addition to metallic there are other classifications: adamantine, vitreous (like glass), resinous (like amber), waxy (like jade), greasy (like soapstone), pearly, and silky.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lustre_(mineralogy)

http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Mineralogy [Broken]

Introduction to Mineralogy
http://isis.ku.dk/kurser/blob.aspx?feltid=84117 - this might be useful in conjunction with the others.

See slide 14/16 - Lustre

Coefficient of reflectivity: R = [(n-1)2+n2K2]/[(n+1)2+n2K2]
n = refractive index, K = coefficient of absorption
R is proportional to both!

Types of lustre and examples:
Metallic (gold, graphite, galena, chalcopyrite, pyrite, hematite, magnetite)
Submetallic (sphalerite, ilmenite)
Adamantine (diamond, sphalerite, corundum, goethite, biotite)
Vitreous (rutile, halite, calcite, aragonite, dolomite, apatite, olivine, quartz)
Resinous (sphalerite, apatite, opal)
Pearly (aragonite, gypsum, muscovite)
Greasy (serpentine, nepheline)
Silky (goethite, gypsum, serpentine)
Earthy (graphite, hematite, goethite, kaolinite)


Spectroscopy seems to be the answer, otherwise one must use one's eyes and learn the skill from a experienced mineralogist/metallurgist/material scientist.
 
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  • #3


I would suggest conducting an experiment using the scientific method. This involves the following steps:

1. Form a hypothesis: Based on your understanding of metallic lustre, make a prediction about whether a metal or non-metal will exhibit this property.

2. Design an experiment: You can use a variety of materials, such as coins, aluminum foil, and plastic objects, to test for metallic lustre. Set up a controlled experiment where you compare the appearance of these materials under different lighting conditions.

3. Gather materials: You will need a variety of metal and non-metal objects, a light source, and a dark background for your experiment.

4. Conduct the experiment: Place each object on the dark background and observe its appearance under different lighting conditions. Record your observations.

5. Analyze the data: Based on your observations, determine which objects exhibited metallic lustre and which did not.

6. Draw conclusions: Compare your results to your hypothesis. Did your experiment support or reject your prediction?

7. Communicate your findings: Share your results with others, either through a written report or a presentation.

Some search terms you can use to find more information about metallic lustre and conducting experiments include: "metallic lustre experiment," "metal vs non-metal experiment," "how to test for metallic lustre," and "scientific method." I hope this helps and good luck with your experiment!
 

1. What is the difference between a metal and a non-metal?

A metal is a type of element that is typically solid at room temperature, has a shiny appearance, is a good conductor of heat and electricity, and is malleable and ductile. Non-metals, on the other hand, are typically gases or solids at room temperature, are not shiny, are poor conductors of heat and electricity, and are not malleable or ductile.

2. What is metallic lustre?

Metallic lustre is the shiny, reflective appearance that metals have. It is caused by the way that the electrons in a metal are arranged and how they reflect light.

3. How is metallic lustre tested?

Metallic lustre can be tested by observing the reflection of light off the surface of a material. Metals will have a shiny, reflective appearance, while non-metals will have a dull, non-reflective appearance.

4. Why is it important to test for metallic lustre in materials?

Testing for metallic lustre can help to determine whether a material is a metal or a non-metal. This can be important in various industries, such as construction and manufacturing, where the properties of a material can affect its performance and usefulness.

5. Can a material have both metallic and non-metallic properties?

Yes, some materials, known as metalloids, have properties of both metals and non-metals. These materials have a mix of metallic and non-metallic elements in their chemical composition, giving them a combination of properties. Examples of metalloids include silicon, germanium, and arsenic.

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