Synthetic (Man-made Glass)
Blue Goldstone
Auraventurine (Synthetic glass with cobalt and copper inclusions)
Hardness: 5.5-6.0 Mohs; Color: Deep midnight blue with sparkling metallic inclusions; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.5-2.8
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Deep midnight blue with sparkling metallic inclusions
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-6.0 Mohs; Color: Deep midnight blue with sparkling metallic inclusions; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.5-2.8
Formation & geological history
Created in a low-oxygen environment by melting silica, borax, and copper oxides with cobalt additives; the 'gold' sparkles are formed by crystalizing metal during the cooling process. Originally developed in 17th-century Venice.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry (pendants, beads, rings), decorative carvings, and alternative healing practices (meditation stones).
Geological facts
Despite its name, Goldstone contains no gold. It was a trade secret of the Miotti family in Venice. The blue variety is colored by cobalt, whereas the original reddish variety is colored by copper.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its uniform glass texture and perfectly distributed glitter-like flakes. As a man-made material, it is not found in nature/the field, but usually in gem shows or metaphysical shops.
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