man-made glass mineral simulant

Blue Goldstone

Aventurine Glass (Silicon Dioxide with metal inclusions)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 5.5-6 (Mohs scale); Color: Deep midnight blue with sparking metallic flecks; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline glass); Specific Gravity: ~2.5

Hardness: 5
Color: Deep midnight blue with sparking metallic flecks
Luster: Vitreous

Identified March 22, 2026More man-made glass mineral simulant →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5-6 (Mohs scale); Color: Deep midnight blue with sparking metallic flecks; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline glass); Specific Gravity: ~2.5

Formation & geological history

Created in a low-oxygen reducing atmosphere by melting silica, borax, and copper oxides. Blue goldstone specifically uses cobalt or manganese to achieve the blue hue and metallic sparkle.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for jewelry such as beads, cabochons, and tumbled stones. Also popular in metaphysical circles and for ornamental carvings.

Geological facts

Legend says it was discovered by Italian monks via accidental alchemy, but the process likely dates back to 12th-century Persia or 17th-century Venetian glassmaking (the Miotti family).

Field identification & locations

Identify by its uniform 'galaxy' sparkle (aventurescence) and smooth, glass-like surface. Unlike natural minerals, the sparkles are perfectly distributed and the base is opaque glass. It is not found in nature.