RiverOtter
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2004
Posts: 339
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Post by RiverOtter on Jan 23, 2004 15:27:28 GMT -5
I just love the look of goldstone. I received some in a recent purchase of a bag of gemstone beads. However, I haven't been able to find any info on it (hardness, composition, etc.). Does it go by another name I am unaware of. Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks Otter
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WilliamC
spending too much on rocks
Member since August 2003
Posts: 416
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Post by WilliamC on Jan 23, 2004 15:45:56 GMT -5
Greetings All, Hey Riverotter, if I'm not mistaken goldstone is an artificial (that is man-made) glass. Check out www.vrockshop.com/goldstone.html"Goldstone is a sparking man-made gemstone. Brown Goldstone is a dense soda-lime glass colored by cuprous oxide (copper). Like its brown cousin Blue Goldstone is also man-made." Hope that helps WilliamC
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Post by docone31 on Jan 23, 2004 21:58:30 GMT -5
William, you are correct. Goldstone is also destroyed by heat.
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donwrob
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2003
Posts: 509
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Post by donwrob on Jan 23, 2004 22:13:20 GMT -5
I'll add one more thing, cause I think it's cool. From what I understand, the really nice 'true' goldstone is only made by a group of monks. For years they were the only ones able to get the copper flecks to suspend in the glass so perfectly, to give maximum shine to the goldstone. Some sort of secret process, kept by them only and passed on for ages. Now I understand there is an imitation, mass produced goldstone from somewhere else, and while nice, it still doesn't compare to the monk made variety. I had the chance to by a 3lb block for $30 and passed on it last summer. I regret not buying it now, it is unique and beautiful stuff. Later all, Don
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RiverOtter
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2004
Posts: 339
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Post by RiverOtter on Jan 25, 2004 16:17:04 GMT -5
Thanks all. No wonder I couldn't find any info in my rock and mineral book. Well manmade or not it is still some really pretty stuff. Now I just have to find a place to purchase some. I would assume that since it is glass that it would polish like glass. Would that be right? Or would the copper interfere with the tumbling process?
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thewiz
has rocks in the head
"What good is money if you don't spend it"
Member since January 2004
Posts: 735
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Post by thewiz on Feb 11, 2004 15:23:06 GMT -5
saw this at dad's rock shop
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tigerlily46
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2003
Posts: 8
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Post by tigerlily46 on Feb 11, 2004 16:24:28 GMT -5
if anybody wants to purchase ready-made goldstone beads, they are available at: firemountaingems.com
these are really super people to deal with, always friendly and careful about filling orders. and their website is pretty easy to navigate, too.
regards, tigerlily46
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