Wall rock
It is an economic geology term which is used for the description of the rock adjacent to an accumulation of ore minerals like veins, layers, disseminations, etc.

Waxlike (luster)
It is the synonym of waxy luster.

Waxy (luster)
It is a term used for those mineral's luster which appears to be coated by a layer of wax.

Weathered
One which undergoes the process of weathering.

Weathering
It is the passive act of a mineral which is chemically affected either by air, water, pressure, or wind when exposed from the earth.

Wheat sheaf
It is an aggregate of compact bundles of crystals which is slightly radiating and thicker at the top and the bottom rather in the center. It appears in the shape of an hourglass.

White light
Also known as light. It is a term used for that electromagnetic radiation which an eye can detect.

Widmanstaetten lines
It is an etched crystal faces being seen of some polished meteorites.

Wires
It is the individual wires of a wiry aggregate.

Wiry
It is an aggregate which is composed of long, slender, curvy, interwoven wires.

Wolframates
See tungstates.