Rock Identifier
Goldstone (Not a natural mineral or rock. It is an ornamental glass.) — Manufactured Glass (Simulant)
Manufactured Glass (Simulant)

Goldstone

Not a natural mineral or rock. It is an ornamental glass.

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs scale), Color: Typically reddish-brown with sparkling inclusions (copper flecks), but also available in blue, green, and purple. Luster: Vitreous with metallic glitter due to copper. Crystal Structure: Amorphous (glass).

Luster
Vitreous with metallic glitter due to copper
Identified More manufactured glass (simulant) →
Explore Goldstone in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App StoreGoogle Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs scale), Color: Typically reddish-brown with sparkling inclusions (copper flecks), but also available in blue, green, and purple. Luster: Vitreous with metallic glitter due to copper. Crystal Structure: Amorphous (glass).

Formation & geological history

Goldstone is an artificial glass created in a low-oxygen reducing atmosphere. Tiny crystals of copper are introduced into a molten glass matrix, which then cool slowly to allow the copper to crystallize without oxidizing. The precise method of its invention is often attributed to the Miotti family of Venice, Italy, in the 17th century, though there may be earlier origins.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (beads, cabochons, carved ornaments) and decorative items due to its attractive sparkle. It is a popular, inexpensive alternative to natural sparkling gemstones.

Geological facts

The sparkle in Goldstone is known as 'aventurescence', mimicking the effect seen in natural minerals like Aventurine quartz. The earliest known production of Goldstone was in Venice, Italy, where it was called 'aventurine glass'. There are variations of goldstone made with different metals for the sparkle, such as cobalt (for blue goldstone) or chromium (for green goldstone).

Field identification & locations

Goldstone is not found in nature. It is identified by its consistent, evenly distributed internal glittering specks within a glassy matrix, often with a slightly rounded or polished form. The 'flecks' are typically copper, appearing as tiny, flat, reflective metallic platelets. Natural aventurine generally has a less uniform sparkle and may show other mineral inclusions. It is widely available globally in shops selling crystals, jewelry, and craft supplies.

More like this

Other manufactured glass (simulant) specimens

Clear Quartz (Faceted) or Cubic Zirconia / Glass imitation (SiO2 (if Quartz), ZrO2 (if Cubic Zirconia)) — mineral

Clear Quartz (Faceted) or Cubic Zirconia / Glass imitation

SiO2 (if Quartz), ZrO2 (if Cubic Zirconia)

mineral
Clear gemstone earring (likely cubic zirconia) (Cubic zirconia (synthetic zirconium dioxide, ZrO₂); identification from the image is uncertain) — gemstone

Clear gemstone earring (likely cubic zirconia)

Cubic zirconia (synthetic zirconium dioxide, ZrO₂); identification from the image is uncertain

gemstone
Opalite (Synthetic Glass / Man-made Opal Simulant) — gemstone

Opalite

Synthetic Glass / Man-made Opal Simulant

gemstone
Colorless faceted gemstone (likely glass or cubic zirconia) (Likely cubic zirconia, ZrO₂; exact identification is uncertain from the photograph) — gemstone

Colorless faceted gemstone (likely glass or cubic zirconia)

Likely cubic zirconia, ZrO₂; exact identification is uncertain from the photograph

gemstone
Green glass-like cabochon, likely synthetic glass or resin (Unidentified green transparent material; possibly molded glass, synthetic spinel, or resin) — gemstone

Green glass-like cabochon, likely synthetic glass or resin

Unidentified green transparent material; possibly molded glass, synthetic spinel, or resin

gemstone
Cubic Zirconia (Zirconium dioxide (ZrO2)) — mineral

Cubic Zirconia

Zirconium dioxide (ZrO2)

mineral