mineral
Goldstone (aventurine glass)
Man-made copper-bearing glass; not a natural mineral (commonly sold as blue/brown goldstone)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectBrown-red, translucent to opaque beads with abundant reflective copper crystals and a vitreous luster. Hardness is about 5.5–6 Mohs; amorphous glass has no crystal structure or cleavage, and specific gravity is roughly 2.4–2.6.
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Physical properties
Brown-red, translucent to opaque beads with abundant reflective copper crystals and a vitreous luster. Hardness is about 5.5–6 Mohs; amorphous glass has no crystal structure or cleavage, and specific gravity is roughly 2.4–2.6.
Formation & geological history
Produced by slowly cooling silica glass containing copper and other metal oxides, allowing glittering copper crystals to form. It is a modern human-made material rather than a geologic rock, though it is commonly marketed as a gemstone.
Uses & applications
Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, ornaments, and inexpensive jewelry. Its sparkle resembles aventurine, but it is generally much less valuable than natural aventurine or copper-bearing minerals.
Geological facts
The glitter comes from metallic copper inclusions, not mica; the brown-red variety is often called red or brown goldstone. “Goldstone” is also sometimes incorrectly labeled “aventurine.”
Field identification & locations
Identify by uniformly distributed, highly reflective glitter, rounded bead manufacture, glassy polish, and lack of natural mineral zoning. Commonly produced in China, Italy, and elsewhere; typical bead strands sell for about $10–$40, with premium pieces around $50–$100.
