mineral (synthetic glass)
Blue Goldstone
Aventurine Glass (SiO2 with Co and metallic inclusions)
Hardness: 5.5-6 on the Mohs scale; Color: Deep midnight blue and semi-translucent; Luster: Vitreous with bright metallic aventurescence; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: ~2.5
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Deep midnight blue and semi-translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous with bright metallic aventurescence
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-6 on the Mohs scale; Color: Deep midnight blue and semi-translucent; Luster: Vitreous with bright metallic aventurescence; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: ~2.5
Formation & geological history
Blue goldstone is a synthetic material produced in a low-oxygen reducing atmosphere. It is created by melting silica, borax, and copper salts or cobalt oxide. It was originally perfected by the Miotti family in 17th-century Venice, Italy, though legends claim much older origins.
Uses & applications
Primarily used for jewelry such as cabochons, beads, and pendants. It is widely used in New Age practices, carvings, and as a decorative stone for ornaments.
Geological facts
Despite its name, it contains no gold; the 'gold' refers to the sparkling inclusions. Blue goldstone specifically uses cobalt or manganese to achieve its deep blue color, while the standard reddish-brown version uses copper.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its uniform, starry appearance that naturally occurring minerals rarely mimic so perfectly. Look for tiny, flat, triangular or hexagonal metallic flakes suspended in glass. Unlike natural aventurine, goldstone's sparkles are very evenly distributed.
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