mineral

Blue goldstone

Man-made aventurine glass containing metallic copper particles; not a natural mineral

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Polished opaque navy-blue glass with strong glitter from copper inclusions; hardness about 5.5–6 Mohs, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and no cleavage. The rounded cabochon appears tumbled or shaped.

Identified August 16, 2026More mineral →

Explore Blue goldstone in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Produced by melting silica glass with copper compounds and other additives, then cooling it so metallic copper crystals form; it has no geological age. Commonly manufactured in Italy, China, and elsewhere.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, ornaments, and inexpensive jewelry. It is popular as a decorative substitute for lapis lazuli or naturally aventurescent materials.

Geological facts

The sparkle is caused by tiny reflective copper crystals, not natural mineral glitter. Blue goldstone is also called “star glass” or “monk’s gold,” though it is a manufactured glass.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its uniformly dark blue body, evenly distributed bright coppery flecks, glassy polish, and smooth rounded shape; natural lapis usually shows white calcite or pyrite and less uniform sparkle.