mineraloid / man-made glass
Goldstone
Aventurine Glass (Man-made glass with copper inclusions)
Hardness: 5.5-6 (Mohs scale); Color: Reddish brown with metallic copper sparkles; Luster: Vitreous to metallic; Crystal structure: Amorphous (Glass); Specific Gravity: 2.5-2.8
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Reddish brown with metallic copper sparkles
- Luster
- Vitreous to metallic
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-6 (Mohs scale); Color: Reddish brown with metallic copper sparkles; Luster: Vitreous to metallic; Crystal structure: Amorphous (Glass); Specific Gravity: 2.5-2.8
Formation & geological history
Goldstone is a man-made material created in a low-oxygen reducing atmosphere. Molten glass is infused with copper oxides, which crystallize into tiny metallic flakes as the glass cools slowly. It was originally perfected in 17th-century Venice, though similar materials date back further.
Uses & applications
Primarily used for jewelry such as beads, cabochons, and carvings. It is also a popular specimen for crystal healing collections and decorative ornaments due to its intense shimmer.
Geological facts
Despite its name, it contains no gold; the shimmer comes from copper. Legend says it was discovered by accident when Italian monks spilled copper filings into a vat of molten glass, though historical records credit the Miotti family of Venice with the invention.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its uniform, intense glitter (aventurescence) and smooth, glass-like surface. Unlike natural Sunstone, which has irregular inclusions, Goldstone is extremely uniform. It is not found in the field as it is manufactured in factories.
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