Goldenite
Hornblende
Published: June 2014
Modified: November 2021
Goldenite comes in white and black varieties coated with a patterned gold layer. The black stones are hornblende a common natural rock composed primarily of iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. The white stones are white quartzite, a rock made up of interlocking quartz grains.
General Information
Common Name
Goldenite
Species
Hornblende
Transparency
Translucent - Opaque
Refractive Index
1.544-1.553
Tolerance:very constant
Tolerance:very constant
Birefringence
0.009
Optic Character
Uniaxial
Optic Sign
Positive
Polariscope Reaction
Aggregate (AGG), Doubly Refractive (DR)
Pleochroism
None
Hardness
7
Specific Gravity
2.640-2.690 Typical:2.660
Toughness
Good
Inclusions
CO2 or H2O inclusions that give the stone a milky appearance. Gold foil has been applied to the surface of the stone.
Luster
Vitreous, Metallic
Stability
Good
Fracture
Conchoidal
Cleavage
None
Chemical Name
silicon dioxide (aka silica)
Chemical Formula
SiO2
Crystal System
Trigonal
Chemistry Classification
Silicate
Goldenite Colors
-
Black -
White
Alternate Names
Quartzite
Countries of Origin
Unknown; United States of America; Brazil
Care
Normal care