mineral

Goldstone (with Tiger's Eye and Quartz)

Aventurine glass (Synthetic SiO2 with Cu inclusions)

Hardness: 5.5-6 (Mohs scale); Color: Reddish-brown with metallic sparkles; Luster: Vitreous to metallic; Crystal structure: Amorphous (glass); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: ~2.5

Hardness: 5
Color: Reddish-brown with metallic sparkles
Luster: Vitreous to metallic

Identified January 22, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Goldstone is a synthetic material created in a low-oxygen reducing atmosphere. It was originally rediscovered or popularized in 17th-century Venice by the Miotti family. While the elements are geological, the form is man-made. The bracelet also features Tiger's Eye (a metamorphic rock formed via pseudomorphism of quartz after crocidolite) and Clear Quartz.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for jewelry (beads, cabochons), ornamental carvings, and by collectors of 'healing crystals' or metaphysical stones.

Geological facts

Despite its name, Goldstone contains no gold; the 'glitter' comes from tiny triangular and hexagonal crystals of metallic copper. Legend says it was accidentally discovered by Italian monks who dropped copper filings into a vat of molten glass.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by looking for a consistent, uniform distribution of metallic 'sparkles' (aventurescence) within a translucent glass matrix. Natural stones like sunstone have more irregular patterns. It is commonly sold globally in gem markets and craft stores.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral