The property being described is luster. Minerals with a dull luster appear earthy and non-reflective, while those with silky, waxy, or pearly luster have a more smooth and reflective appearance.
Bauxite typically has a dull or earthy luster due to its composition of aluminum hydroxides and iron oxides. It does not have a shiny or metallic appearance like some other minerals.
Shiny
The shininess of the metal is known as its luster. Luster refers to the way light interacts with the surface of a mineral, rock, or metal, and it can vary from metallic to dull.
It can, but is usually more of a gray colour.
dull luster looks somewhat metallic, but it isn't quite as reflective.
Coal typically has a dull or matte luster, meaning it does not shine like metals or some minerals. It can appear dull, black, and brittle in texture.
Granite has a very dull luster when unpolished.
Tellurium has a shiny luster.
The words waxy, pearly, and dull describe a mineral's luster.
dull but pretty
the type of luster which is dull
Ruby (corundum) has a vitreous or glassy luster.
dull to earthy
Cadmium has a shiny luster when freshly cut, but it can develop a dull gray patina over time when exposed to air.
Marble typically has a dull to glassy luster. This means that when polished, it can have a shiny appearance, but in its natural state, it is often more matte and earthy looking.
Quartz in general has a glassy or vitreous luster.