Are all Shiny Things Metals?

Last updated at July 13, 2026 by

Metals are generally shiny, but not everything shiny is a metal.
For example, iodine looks shiny but is NOT a metal.
Iodine does not conduct electricity.
Graphite (a form of carbon) is a non-metal — but unlike other non-metals, it does conduct electricity.

Shiny — But Different! Property Iron Iodine Nature Metal Non-metal Conducts Yes No (exception) Shine Shiny Shiny (exception)
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