Today is the letter "G" for the Blogging A - Z Challenge

Today’s topic starts with the letter “G”. 

Goldstone is a manmade “gemstone” which can be a reddish brown color, as pictured, or blue or purple.  I believe there is even a green goldstone. 

The initial production of this “gemstone” was most likely a happy accident back in the 1600s. Legend has it that a monk accidently spilled a tray of copper shavings into a vat of molten glass and liked the result.  The Miotti family of Venice was granted an exclusive license to produce goldstone.  It is made up of silica, copper oxide, and other metal oxides.  It is made in a low-oxygen reducing atmosphere in huge vats.  Depending on the type of ingredients, you can get a blue, purple, or green coloring along with the original reddish brown.  

Even though it is a manufactured “gemstone” it can be mistaken for or misrepresented as a semiprecious stone.  It can be carved into beads or figurines. 

Reddish brown and blue goldstone beads

Goldstone necklace that I made

Blue goldstone necklace that I made

It can also be called Aventurine glass based on the original Italian name avventurina which means adventure or chance. 

Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again tomorrow when I present the letter "H".

Carolyn