Lustre vs. Metallic — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 22, 2023
Lustre refers to the soft, glowing light reflected from a surface, often seen in gemstones and metals. Metallic describes a finish or property that resembles or contains metal, often characterized by a shiny, reflective surface.
Difference Between Lustre and Metallic
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Lustre is a term used to describe the way light interacts with the surface of a gemstone, mineral, or metal. It describes the quality and intensity of light reflections and can range from dull to greasy to brilliant. Metallic, on the other hand, is a term used to describe materials or finishes that resemble metal in some way, usually by having a shiny or reflective surface.
Lustre doesn't necessarily have to do with metal; it's a property that can be observed in various materials like minerals, gems, and even organic substances like pearls. Metallic, by contrast, is almost always associated with metals or materials made to resemble metals.
In photography and printing, lustre usually refers to a finish on photographs that is midway between glossy and matte. Metallic prints in photography have a shiny finish with an added metallic sheen, often making colors appear more vibrant.
When discussing paints or coatings, lustre generally means a subdued, semi-reflective finish. Metallic paints contain small metal flakes that give the finish a reflective quality, often mimicking the appearance of actual metal.
In everyday language, lustre can also refer metaphorically to the quality of being distinguished or esteemed. Metallic, however, is less frequently used in a metaphorical sense and is usually quite literal, referring to something made of or resembling metal.
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Comparison Chart
Material
Can be found in various materials
Usually related to metals
Photographic Finish
Midway between glossy and matte
Shiny with a metallic sheen
In Paints
Semi-reflective finish
Contains metal flakes for reflectivity
Metaphorical Use
Can refer to quality or esteem
Rarely used metaphorically
General Appearance
Soft, glowing light reflection
Shiny, reflective surface
Compare with Definitions
Lustre
The soft glow of light reflected off a surface.
The diamond had an exceptional lustre.
Metallic
Pertaining to metal or resembling metal.
The car had a metallic finish.
Lustre
A semi-reflective finish.
The wood was polished to a high lustre.
Metallic
A shiny, reflective surface.
The metallic surface gleamed in the sun.
Lustre
A term in mineralogy for light reflection.
The mineral had a greasy lustre.
Metallic
In photography, a finish with a metallic sheen.
Metallic prints make the colors pop.
Lustre
The quality of being brilliant or radiant.
Her eyes had a particular lustre.
Metallic
Having properties of metal.
The substance was metallic in nature.
Lustre
In photography, a finish that is between matte and glossy.
I chose a lustre finish for my wedding photos.
Metallic
Relating to or resembling metal or metals
Metallic alloys
A curious metallic taste
Lustre
Variant of luster.
Metallic
A paint, fabric, or colour with a metallic sheen
Ultra-bright solid colours, pearls, metallics, and more
Lustre
(British spelling) luster (shine, etc.)
Metallic
Of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a metal.
Lustre
(geology) The way in which the surface of any particular type of mineral reflects light differently from other minerals, which is helpful in telling minerals apart.
Various kinds of minerals differ in their lustre; iron pyrites are described as having a metallic lustre, glassy materials a vitreous lustre; others, such as opal, look resinous, and the lustres of yet others are described as being either pearly, or silky, or dull, like earth.
Metallic
Containing a metal
A metallic compound.
Lustre
A glass ornament such as a prism or cut glass dangling beneath a chandelier; usually in clusters or festoons
Metallic
Lustrous; sparkling
Metallic colors.
Lustre
(dated) A chandelier, particularly one decorated with glass lustres
Metallic
Sharp-tasting
An unpleasant, metallic flavor.
Lustre
(British spelling) luster: A 5-year period, especially (historical) in Roman contexts.
Metallic
Harshly resonant
"the strange metallic note of the meadow lark, suggesting the clash of vibrant blades" (Ambrose Bierce).
Lustre
(British spelling) luster
Metallic
A yarn or fiber made of, containing, or resembling metal.
Lustre
Same as Luster.
Metallic
A fabric, typically shiny or iridescent, made of such yarn or fiber.
Lustre
A surface coating for ceramics or porcelain
Metallic
Of, relating to, or characteristic of metal.
Lustre
A quality that outshines the usual
Metallic
Made of or containing metal.
Lustre
The visual property of something that shines with reflected light
Metallic
(of a sound) Harsh, as if coming from two metals striking one another.
Metallic
(of a color) Having the appearance of being of polished metal.
Metallic
A metallic color.
Metallic
Of or pertaining to a metal; of the nature of metal; resembling metal; as, a metallic appearance; a metallic alloy.
Metallic
Of, pertaining to, or characterized by, the essential and implied properties of a metal, as contrasted with a nonmetal or metalloid; conductive of electricity; basic; forming positive ions in solution; antacid.
Metallic
Containing or made of or resembling or characteristic of a metal;
A metallic compound
Metallic luster
The strange metallic note of the meadow lark, suggesting the clash of vibrant blades
Metallic
Contains small pieces of metal.
The metallic paint looked stunning.
Common Curiosities
Is Metallic specific to metals?
Usually, it refers to properties or finishes that resemble metals.
What is Metallic?
Metallic refers to a finish or property that resembles or contains metal.
Is Lustre specific to metals?
No, lustre can be observed in various materials including gems and minerals.
What is Lustre?
Lustre is the quality and intensity of light reflected from a surface.
What is a Lustre finish in photography?
It's a finish that is midway between glossy and matte.
Is Lustre used metaphorically?
Yes, it can refer to quality or esteem.
What is a Metallic finish in photography?
It's a shiny finish with a metallic sheen.
What gives a gemstone its lustre?
The quality of light reflected from its surface.
Is Lustre related to color?
No, it's related to light reflection.
Can Metallic be found in paints?
Yes, metallic paints contain small metal flakes.
What gives a surface a metallic appearance?
The shiny, reflective properties resembling metal.
Can Lustre be found in paints?
Yes, it describes a semi-reflective finish.
Is Metallic related to color?
It can affect how color appears due to its reflective properties.
Can both Lustre and Metallic be found in the same material?
Yes, for example, some metals can have both a lustrous and metallic appearance.
Is Metallic used metaphorically?
Rarely, it's mostly literal.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
