Goldstone (Red)

Hardness: 5.5-6 (Mohs); Color: Reddish-brown with metallic sparkling inclusions; Luster: Vitreous to metallic; Crystal Structure: Amorphous (glass) with octahedral/triangular copper crystals; Specific Gravity: 2.5-2.8

Goldstone is a man-made material produced in a low-oxygen reducing atmosphere. It was originally created in 17th-century Venice (Murano) by the Miotti family. The process involves dissolving copper oxides into molten glass, which then crystallize into tiny metallic flakes upon slow cooling.

Primarily used for decorative purposes, including jewelry (beads, cabochons), carvings, tumbled stones for collecting, and metaphysical uses (reiki/healing crystals).

Legend says it was discovered by accident when Italian monks spilled copper filings into a vat of molten glass, though the Miotti family held the official patent. It is often confused with the natural mineral Sunstone, which has a similar appearance but different chemistry.

Identify by looking for a consistent, deeply saturated reddish-brown glass matrix filled with tiny, highly reflective, uniform metallic triangles or squares. Unlike natural minerals, it contains no natural air bubbles or irregular inclusions and won't be found in raw geological outcrops; it is essentially universal in gift shops and crystal markets.