Red Green Blue Black Goldstone Lapidary Cutting Rough Stones Specimens

Goldstone is a man-made glass with flecks of metal giving it a unique glittery (without the mess) effect that can really catch the eye.  Goldstone comes in multiple colors, with different metals being present in each type.  Red with copper is the traditional goldstone, but there is also blue, green, and black goldstone as well.  Cobalt or Manganese are often used instead of copper in blue, black, adn green goldstone.  

Goldstone is a man-made material with a far-reaching history, which sadly is as of yet undeciphered.  The original creator of Goldstone is unknown, and depending on who you talk to, you might hear a different story.  I was originally taught that Goldstone was discovered and made by Chinese monks in the 1300s. The only way historically you could get goldstone was by doing hard physical labor for these monks, whom instead of money would pay in the goldstone they had created, or by gaining their respect in other ways and having it gifted by them.  The recipe was later shared and became more widespread, especially in Italy.  However, others speculate that a family in Venice discovered it in the 1600s.  Currently, the earliest known specimen of Goldstone was from Persia, where it went by the name 'del-roba', meaning Monkstone; further suggesting that it was originally made by monks.  In Italy, it is called Aventurine Glass, though its presence and name do not seem as far-reaching as the Chinese or Persian specimens.  Either way, this is some elegant material, with a very significant historical background.  

Goldstone works very easy.  We don't recommend touching it to a wheel less than 220 grit.  It can also make really neat display specimens just as it is, however, if you handle it, handle with care.  It is a glass and can break sharp, and even in its current form, can have sharp edges or splinters.

Weight: Approx 26.5 Lbs