Mineraloid (synthetic)
Man-made Glass (Tumbled/Shaped)
Amorphous Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with metal oxide colorants
Hardness: 5.5-6 (Mohs scale); Color: Cobalt blue with iridescent 'aura' coating; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: Conchoidal (shell-like) fracture.
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Cobalt blue with iridescent 'aura' coating
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
Identified More mineraloid (synthetic) →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-6 (Mohs scale); Color: Cobalt blue with iridescent 'aura' coating; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: Conchoidal (shell-like) fracture.
Formation & geological history
This is a synthetic material produced in a furnace by melting silica sand, soda ash, and limestone. The star shape is achieved through molding or mechanical carving/tumbling. The iridescent surface is likely a vapor-deposited metallic coating applied in a vacuum chamber.
Uses & applications
Primarily used for decorative purposes, metaphysical 'healing' crystals, craft jewelry, and aquarium decor.
Geological facts
Unlike natural minerals, glass lacks an internal atomic structure. The deep blue color is typically achieved by adding small amounts of Cobalt oxide to the molten glass during production. The rainbow effect on the surface is often marketed as 'Aura' or 'Titanium' coating.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by looking for tiny air bubbles (vesicles) trapped inside, a lack of natural crystal faces, and a conchoidal fracture pattern that looks like ripples. It will feel warmer to the touch than natural stone and show no natural inclusions.
More like this
Other mineraloid (synthetic) specimens
Opalite (Synthetic Moonstone/Opal)
Synthetic Silica Glass
mineraloid (synthetic)
Opalite
Synthetic Opalised Glass
mineraloid (synthetic)
Opalite
Synthetic Fluorescent Glass (SiO2 + impurities)
mineraloid (synthetic)
Opalite
Synthetic Glass, SiO2 base with metallic inclusions
mineraloid (synthetic)
Opalite
Man-made Glass (SiO2 + additives)
mineraloid (synthetic)
Synthetic Convention Badge (Plastic/PVC)
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) / Polycarbonate
mineraloid (synthetic)