Goldstone Properties

General

Stone of Ambition

There has been much discussion about this stone, how it was created, where it originated from, if it should be considered a gem or simply glass….

There are a few stories of alchemist monks attempting to make gold (some are French Monks, some Italian Monks) and in the process either a monk or a general worker accidentally knocked some copper shavings into a pot of molten glass…hence to  variations of how it came about its name.

Historically known as Aventurine Glass (From the Italian ‘avventurina’ meaning “accidental” which is derived from the root ‘avventura’ meaning “by chance, luck or risk”, there are also French derivations as well. This story explains the trade names “Monk’s Stone, Monkgold, Gold Flux as well as Goldstone”.  These versions of the story talk about the “recipe” being lost or forgotten until more modern times.  Some of these stories evolved into this gem being falsely represented as a mineral that was a natural mineral secretly mined by monks.

Although it is Vincenzo Miotti, the 17th century Venetian glass crafter, who is often credited with the invention of this sparkling beauty, by those who do not believe that it existed in antiquity.  The Venetian island of Murano has been the center of art glass in Italy for centuries, and glass artists were discouraged from divulging their crafting secrets. In this version of the story the “recipe” was kept secret until sometime in the early 19th century when the information was shared and others began producing this beautiful ornament.

The original Goldstone seems was especially prized by the Chinese, it was named Jinxing Boli which is said to mean “gold star glass”.

It’s been rediscovered or recreated in modern times, though, and goldstone is a popular material because of its beauty as well as its metaphysical properties lore. Goldstone comes in the original “reddish-brown” marked by the copper flecks, as well as a blue and green.

Each color brings its energies and properties to the goldstone as well.


Scientific Gemstone Properties

Mohs Hardness 5.5-6 and Amorphous crystal structure.

All glass is produced by melting silica (SiO2), made from ground quartz or quartz sand, with other chemical ingredients. The specific recipe depends on the application. The redbrown Goldstone is crafted with tiny metallic crystals of copper that requires very specific conditions if it is to form properly.

Silica, copper oxides are melted together, then additional metal oxides are added to chemically reduce the copper irons to the elemental copper. Then the vat is made airtight and is maintained with a very narrow temperature window…hot enough to remain fluid enough while hastening the metallic crystal to be added and form without melting or oxidizing.

Once the solutions has reached the proper duration of crystallization, then the entire batch is cooled to a solid mass before being removed from the vat to be cut into smaller more manageable sizes. Due to the creation process the eventual appearance is amalgamate, with the “best” material being at the centermost heart of the mass, with bright metal crystals suspended in semi-transparent glass matrix.


Metaphysical Gemstone Properties

Let the debate begin…is it possible for glass to have energetic metaphysical qualities?

One side says absolutely “No”.  Those on the other side note that there are some popular naturally occurring glass gemstones, such as Obsidian, Moldavite and Apache Tear, as products of the celestial heavens or underworldly fires. Also that throughout history man made glass has been used a great deal in a spiritual manner and religious ritual, as glass is able to form transparent and reflective barrier, deflecting unwanted energies, it is said to represent spiritual protection.

Noting as well, that at one time man made glass was considered “magic” as it was one of the first transparent material.  As light is allowed to pass through glass, it signifies the flow of one’s spiritual power betwixt the physical and spiritual realms. While Goldstone has always been specifically related to alchemy in gemstone lore, all glass is said to support personal metamorphosis and transformation.

Called the Stone of Ambition, it is said that Goldstone will assist in attaining one’s goals. In keeping one’s emotions stable and calm, this energy generator revitalizes one’s personal energy field, building confidence, courage, a positive attitude and promotes vitality.

Goldstone also carries with it all the ancient properties of Copper as well, harmonizing relationships, attracting abundance and creativity.


Healing Gemstone Properties

Goldstone will boost the glow of one’s life force, strengthening the inner self, and chi.  With the properties of Copper as well, it is extremely helpful in increasing the strength of circulatory system, which in turn bolsters the bones, easing arthritic pain and reducing inflammation.

Magical Gemstone Properties

Element: Fire and Earth
Planet: Jupiter  Venus
Deities: Baldur & Hathor
Powers: Money and Power
Candle Color:  Brown

Due to its language linage coming from the Italian ‘avventura’ meaning “by luck, risk or chance” which is also translated as “by fortune”, Goldstone is associated with good luck, abundance, use in games of change as well as divination or fortune telling.

Goldstone is oft used in many forms of star magic, it is highly effective in sending its healing energies remotely, while revitalizing one’s energy field, which is said to be extremely helpful in long distance healing.


Zodiac Gemstone Properties

Zodiac Stone of: Sagittarius

Associations: Jupiter & Venus

Birthstone: Not a traditional birthstone for any month


Chakra Gemstone Properties

Brown Goldstone is said to be most helpful on the 2nd, Sacral Chakra, some modern gem books derive this conclusion from the minerals color; and Goldstone’s coppery color connects it to this chakra.

Others state that it is the most powerful on the 1st, Root Chakra, as the base of one’s being and the strength of one’s power.

It is also told that Goldstone is helpful with the 3rd, Solar Plexus Chakra, and is said to protect the body’s energy center. As well as being effective if one is sending healing energies from the 4th, Heart Chakra, 5th, Throat Chakra, or 6th, 3rd Eye Chakra, especially with remote healing.