metals:
Distinguishing luster (shine)
Malleable and ductile (flexible) as solids
Conduct heat and electricity
Metallic oxides are basic, ionic
Cations in aqueous solution
Nonmetals:
Non-lustrous, various colors
Brittle, hard or soft
Poor conductors
Nonmetallic oxides are acidic, compounds
Anions, oxyanions in aqueous solution