Goldstone 650șC 30 mins		Description Goldstone is unusual in that it is a man-made gemstone.  It was developed in about 1590 by the monks in a north Italian monastery who were indulging in a favourite occupation of the time - the alchemical search to make gold. By accident they added something to the highly heated mixture they were making, and when it cooled the result was Goldstone which was dark brown to red with fine sparkles of a silver or gold colour. Since then other colours have been made, notably blue, green, purple and black. The Science The exact composition of Goldstone is not known, as the manufacturing process is a jealously guarded secret. It is essentially a fine glass, and the sparkles are believed to be composed of copper. 5.5 on the Moh's Hardness Scale Care and Cleaning Soft polishing cloth, plain water rinse or mild solution of soap and water. History Because of its monastic beginnings, Goldstone was originally used primarily for religious jewellery, symbols and decorations. However, in 1899 it was introduced to the United States, and thereafter became more widely available as a gemstone.