[Goldstone glass]
THE
METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF GOLDSTONE
What
is goldstone?
Often
mistaken as a mineral, goldstone is actually a glittering man made
glass. It is typically reddish brown with coppery flecks but also
comes in green, blue, and purple, with more silvery specks. The
other varieties are named after it, like green goldstone, blue
goldstone, etc. Goldstone was known historically as aventurine
glass, from its Italian name avventurina,
“accidental”,
from
the
root avventura
meaning
“by
luck, chance, or risk”. The name may refer to the random nature
of its spangles or the difficulty in producing it.
In
gem folklore, it was first produced accidentally. The legend has many
variations. A monk, or factory worker, randomly knocked copper
shavings into molten glass, alchemists discovered it during their
attempts to produce gold, or monks practicing alchemy created the
secret recipe. This explains its trade names: monk's stone,
monkgold, gold flux, and even goldstone itself. Sometimes it is
falsely represented as a natural material secretly mined by monks or
still hand crafted by them.
When
is the earliest documentation for goldstone?
The
17th century Venetian glass maker Vincenzo Miotti is
credited with the invention of goldstone, although some believe it
existed in antiquity. The island of Murano, part of Venice, has been
a center of glass making in Italy for centuries. As a major trade
good, glass artists were discouraged from leaving and their
techniques were safely guarded. Goldstone was especially prized by
the Chinese, who called it jinxing boli, “gold star glass”.
It remained a trade secret until the process was disclosed during
the early 19th century.
The
word aventurine was later applied in geology to minerals that
resemble the glass, most notably glittering varieties of included
quartz. Green aventurine is a quartz colored by small pieces of
fuchsite, a green mica colored by chromium. Confusingly both
aventurine feldspar and goldstone may be known as sunstone.
How
is goldstone made?
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. When making goldstone, copper
salts are added. While the glass slowly cools in a low oxygen
environment, the copper transforms into a purely metallic state,
producing the shiny flecks. Each is actually a microscopic copper
(Cu) crystal suspended in the glass, triangular or hexagonal in
shape. The other varieties use different coloring agents: chromium
oxide (Cr2O3) for the green, cobalt (Co)
compounds for the blue, and manganese (Mn) for the purple. The
highest quality goldstone, with the most consistent color and flecks,
is at the heart of each batch and must be chipped out.
THE
HIDDEN VIRTUES OF GOLDSTONE
Does
glass have metaphysical properties?
There
is debate today in the metaphysical community whether glass has
energetic qualities. Some popular stones are naturally occurring
glass: obsidian, tektites like Moldavite, created by meteor impacts,
and fulgurites, produced by lighting strikes. Historically man made
glass was used spiritually. Ancient Egyptian amulets were made both
of gemstones and substitutes like glass and faience, a ceramic made
from silica, rather than clay. Both materials are essentially melted
quartz. These alternatives were luxury goods and often given the
same names as their mineral equivalents, based on color.
Many
people unknowingly work with man made glass. Some materials called
“quartz” in the metaphysical market, like crystal singing bowls,
are in fact fused quartz, a type of glass produced from high quality
stones. "Reconstituted quartz" is the same thing. Trade names like “cherry quartz” may be an actual stone or colored glass.
Like
treated and synthetic stones, the use of glass is a matter of
personal preference. Natural forms of it are popular, man made kinds
were used historically, and many people unknowingly work with it
today. Because it forms quickly and lacks a crystal structure, the
energy of all glass tends to be more diffused.
What
are the metaphysical properties of goldstone?
The
hidden virtues of a mineral are revealed in its geology, cultural
associations, and effect on the chakra system:
1.
Glass: Because it is reflective and forms a transparent barrier,
glass represents spiritual protection. Traditional uses from
Egyptian amulets to Greek evil eye beads draw on this symbolism.
While goldstone is specifically associated with alchemy in gem lore,
all glass supports personal transformation. Natural glass like
obsidian, tektites, and fulgurites are the product of heavenly or
underworld fire. Man made glass was once as magical. Because it
allows light to pass through it, glass signifies the flow of
spiritual energy between the physical and spiritual realms.
2.
Good Fortune: Because of its etymology from the Italian avventura,
“by
luck, chance, risk”, aventurine glass is associated with abundance,
good luck, and games of chance. It can also be translated as “by
fortune”, so it is associated with reading future trends, like
divination.
3.
Adventure: Adventure, venture, and aventurine glass all come from
the same Latin word, adventura,
“a thing about to happen”. The words are so close, many people
mispronounce it as “adventurine” glass. Many of goldstone's
contemporary meanings come from this word play. It is recommended
for ambition, confidence, and evaluating risk. Also safe travel,
trip planning,and enjoying life.
4.
Copper: There are ancient associations between copper, the planet
Venus, and love goddesses across cultures, from the Egyptian Hathor
to Greek Aphrodite. Each of the spangles in goldstone is a
microscopic copper crystal that formed as the glass cooled.
Goldstone shares the metal's metaphysical properties: attracting
abundance, harmonizing relationships, and creativity. Because copper
is a good conductor of electricity, it is a popular tool to direct
spiritual energy. Goldstone can be used for energy work, physical
vitality, and to charge other minerals.
4.
Gold: Although it is produced from copper, its golden color and
trade names associate it with gold. Gold is the metal of the Sun
and goldstone may also be known as sunstone. Like copper, the
metaphysical properties of gold are abundance, energy, and
creativity.
5.
Second Chakra: Most modern stone books derive their metaphysical
properties from the mineral's corresponding chakra color.
Goldstone's coppery brown connects it to the second or sacral chakra,
located on the spine at the level of the pubic bone. It represents
water, sexuality, and the unconscious. Use goldstone to transmute
heavy emotions, balance pleasure, or become more creative. The
second chakra represents the womb, where things develop before being
released to the world. Stones connected to it help us develop the
things we intend to manifest.
6.
Healing Qualities: Where do the healing properties listed for a
mineral originate?
A:
Chakra: Healers who work with the modern chakra colors recommend
goldstone for the second chakra parts of the body: the lower back,
the urinary tract, and reproductive system.
B:
Planet: Healers who work with astrology instead associate it with
Venus or the Sun. Like the second chakra, Venus rules the lower
back, urinary tract, and reproductive system but also the neck and
throat. The Sun rules healing generally but specifically the heart,
spine, and back.
This
article is part of a series for Whatever Works Wellness Center,
located in Cincinnati, Ohio. To find goldstone, check out their
retail location:
7433
Montgomery Road
Cincinnati,
OH 45236
(513)
791-9428
For
more information about Whatever Works, check out their website and
Facebook fan page:
Website: www.whateverworkswellness.com
The
spiritual use of stones is one tool among many for helping us with
our problems. This information is not intended to replace the care of
your doctor or mental health professional.
www.houseofdaedalus.blogspot.com
[Image Source: Public domain, Wikipedia Commons]
