man-made glass
Blue Goldstone
Man-made glass with suspended copper, cobalt, or manganese particles
Hardness: 5.5-6 on the Mohs scale. Color: Deep blue to almost black with metallic, glitter-like inclusions. Luster: Vitreous (glassy) with metallic sparkling inclusions. Crystal structure: Amorphous (glass base) with crystalline metallic inclusions. Specific gravity: approx. 2.5-2.6.
- Hardness
- 5
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy) with metallic sparkling inclusions
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-6 on the Mohs scale. Color: Deep blue to almost black with metallic, glitter-like inclusions. Luster: Vitreous (glassy) with metallic sparkling inclusions. Crystal structure: Amorphous (glass base) with crystalline metallic inclusions. Specific gravity: approx. 2.5-2.6.
Formation & geological history
Goldstone is a type of glittering glass made in a low-oxygen reducing atmosphere. The original process for manufacturing goldstone was invented in Venice in the 17th century by the Miotti family. Blue goldstone is created by substituting cobalt or manganese for copper in the glass-making process.
Uses & applications
Blue goldstone is widely used in making jewelry, such as beads, cabochons, and small carved figurines. It is popular in the metaphysical community and often sold as a 'healing stone' despite being man-made.
Geological facts
Despite its appearance and common naming conventions that suggest it is a natural gemstone, goldstone is essentially specialized glass. The sparkling effect (aventurescence) is due to tiny, reflective multi-faceted crystals of metals suspended in the glass matrix.
Field identification & locations
To identify goldstone, look for its very uniform distribution of glittery flecks within a smooth, glassy matrix. Unlike natural aventurine, the sparkles in goldstone are usually perfectly shaped tiny triangles or hexagons when viewed under magnification.
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