the question ask if charcoal has a luster - and is maleable.

I know it is not maleable - but does it have a luster - I am guessing no.

You are right. No luster and not malleable. It is black, porous and brittle

To determine if charcoal has a luster, we can start by understanding what luster is. Luster refers to the way a material reflects light. It can be categorized as metallic or non-metallic. Metallic luster is typically shiny and reflective, similar to the appearance of metals such as gold or silver. Non-metallic luster can be further divided into different types, including vitreous (glass-like), pearly, dull, or earthy.

Now, let's consider charcoal. Charcoal is a form of carbon that is produced by heating organic matter in the absence of oxygen. It is commonly used for cooking, heating, or creating art. When we examine a piece of charcoal, we observe that it appears black, opaque, and dull. It does not possess any shine or reflectivity.

Based on these observations, we can conclude that charcoal does not exhibit luster; it falls under the category of non-metallic, specifically the dull luster. To further confirm this, you can examine a sample of charcoal yourself, noting its lack of reflection or shine under light.