Goldstone is a type of glittering glass containing tiny crystals of metallic copper, which give it a warm, reddish-brown colour and a starry sparkle. It is also known as aventurine glass, and despite its stone-like appearance and use alongside gemstones, it is a man-made material rather than a mineral.
Goldstone is traditionally associated with Venice and the Murano glassmakers, and its production requires careful control of the melt and cooling, allowing the copper to crystallise throughout the glass. Romantic stories about its accidental discovery are often repeated but are hard to verify. In the nineteenth century goldstone became popular for jewellery, small ornaments, cufflinks, beads and inlay, and it was used in micromosaics and decorative objects sold to travellers in Italy. It was also incorporated into paperweights and Victorian decorative glass. Blue and green varieties exist, though the classic coppery colour is the best known. Collectors should distinguish goldstone from natural aventurine quartz and other sparkling minerals, which have a different composition. Goldstone is valued for its decorative effect rather than its rarity, and well-carved or well-set pieces in good condition remain attractive additions to a jewellery or glass collection.
