Shiny Red Rocks & Minerals
A shiny red rock is one of the most common identification questions. The shine is the first clue: 8 of the 53 candidates below have a true metallic luster (Bornite, Cobaltite, and Copper), while 35 are glassy like broken bottle glass (Ruby, Garnet, and Spinel).
Metallic-looking stones are usually sulfides, oxides or native metals and feel heavy; glassy ones are typically silicates, quartz varieties or volcanic glass. Hardness and streak settle most cases.
Metallic shiny red rocks (8)
Glassy shiny red rocks (35)
Waxy, silky or pearly shiny red rocks (10)
Frequently asked questions
Is my shiny red rock a meteorite?
Almost never. Meteorites are rare, heavy, magnetic and usually have a dull dark fusion crust rather than a bright shine. Shiny red finds are far more likely to be Garnet, Jasper, and Bloodstone.
How can I tell a metallic rock from a glassy one?
Metallic luster reflects light like polished metal and the stone is opaque even at thin edges; glassy (vitreous) luster looks like glass and thin edges often let light through. Metallic minerals also tend to leave a colored streak on unglazed porcelain.
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