How to identify Blue Goldstone
Glass (synthetic)
Got a photo? Identify rocks instantly with the Rockby app
Open the appTo correctly identify Blue Goldstone (Glass (synthetic)), check each of these features in order. Many rocks and minerals look alike, so cross-reference multiple properties before deciding.
Step-by-step identification
- 1
Color
Overall color and any zoning or banding
Deep blue, often appearing dark navy or indigo, with bright, reflective metallic flecks.
- 2
Luster
How the surface reflects light: metallic, vitreous, dull
Vitreous (glassy) for the matrix, with metallic luster from the copper inclusions.
- 3
Texture
Grain size and surface feel: coarse, fine, glassy
Smooth to the touch, but the internal glitter gives a visual texture. Fracture surfaces are conchoidal and sharp.
- 4
Crystal Form
Shape of visible crystals or crystal faces
Amorphous (non-crystalline) glass matrix with microscopic, well-formed metallic copper crystals suspended within.
- 5
Cleavage
How it breaks: flat cleavage planes vs irregular fracture
None, as it is an amorphous glass.
- 6
Geological Environment
The rock formation and setting where it occurs
Not found in any geological environment; it is a product of industrial glass manufacturing.
Key Facts
- Hardness
- Approximately 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale (due to the glass matrix and copper inclusions).
- Specific Gravity
- Approximately 2.5-2.8 g/cm³.
- Crystal System
- Amorphous (glass matrix); copper inclusions are cubic.
- Color
- Deep blue with coppery-metallic glitter.
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy) with metallic inclusions.
- Transparency
- Opaque to translucent.
- Fracture
- Conchoidal (typical of glass).
- Cleavage
- None.
- Composition
- Silica glass (SiO2) with cobalt oxide (CoO) for color and suspended metallic copper (Cu) crystals.
Physical characteristics
- Crystal Habit: Amorphous glass matrix with disseminated microscopic metallic copper crystals.
- Cleavage Type: None.
- Fracture Type: Conchoidal.
- Tenacity: Brittle.
- Luster Type: Vitreous (glassy) with metallic inclusions.
Explore Blue Goldstone
Identify rocks anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full database, and your personal collection.