Hey Brian,
question #1: not dull gray but Silver...
#2: Seen on exterior of matrix with the naked-eye..4 silver polished? shiny goblets...
Under 10x loupe they appear waterworn or melted? (like a lava flow/wave would cool/harden).
#3: When scratched with knife-point...no flaking period!...knife-tip pressed into one and pulled across left no flakes but a shallow gouge which was/is even shinier than the rest of the one silver little test blob.
#4: They cannot be scratched off the matrix...
tapping a knifeblade under it with a little hammer probably would 'slice' it off (judging by its appearance and texture not as hard as iron)...but I don't wish to damage them anymore than I have to!
#5: All have no sharp sides or edges...just smooth and flat rounded.