Welcome to the Mineral and precious stone glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z  All terms

W

Waxy (luster)

Luster of a mineral in which it appears to be coated by a layer of wax.

Weathered

Having gone through the process of weathering.

Weathering

The passive act of a mineral that was exposed from the earth and was chemically affected in one way or another, either by air, water, pressure, or wind.

Wheat sheaf

Aggregate of compact bundles of crystals, slightly radiating and thicker at the top and the bottom than in the center. Appears in the shape of an hourglass.

White light

Electromagnetic radiation that the eye can detect, which is known as light.

Widmanstaetten lines

Etched crystal faces that are seen on some polished meteorites.

Wires

The individual wires of a wiry aggregate.

Wiry

Aggregate composed of long, slender, curvy, interwoven wires.