Aqua Blue Glass (Man-made)
Amorphous Silica glass with metal oxide dopants · Decorative Stone / Simulant Crystal
Crystal System
Amorphous (Non-crystalline); lacks an internal atomic structure. Typically found as manufactured shapes like cabochons or molded hearts.
Mineral Group
Silicates (Synthetic/Anthropic Class)
Chemical Formula
SiO2 + (Na2O, CaO, MgO, Al2O3) with trace CoO or CuO for pigment
Formation Process
Synthetic; formed by melting silica sand with soda and lime at high temperatures (approx. 1700°C) and rapidly cooling to prevent crystallization.
About This Crystal
A heart-shaped, transparent, bright aqua-blue specimen. It exhibits a high vitreous luster, perfectly smooth surfaces, and contains internal spherical gas bubbles (gas inclusions) typical of man-made glass. The color is perfectly uniform throughout.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Bright cyan/aqua; Streak: White; Cleavage: None; Fracture: Conchoidal (shell-like curves); Specific Gravity: 2.4-2.8; Fluorescence: Usually inert but may glow faint green/orange depending on additives.
Optical Properties
Refractive Index: 1.47-1.70 (Singly Refractive); Birefringence: None (Isotropic); Pleochroism: None; Dispersion: Low; lacks play-of-color or natural optical phenomena.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Globally mass-produced in industrial glass manufacturing facilities; not a geological find.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 5.0-5.5; Brittle tenacity; high risk of scratching when in contact with quartz or metal; susceptible to thermal shock.
Care & Maintenance
Safe to clean with warm soapy water and soft cloths. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if internal bubbles are near the surface. Store away from harder gemstones like quartz, topaz, or sapphire to prevent scratches.
Rarity & Value
Very Common/Abundant; low value ($1-$5). Value is based on aesthetic utility rather than mineral rarity. Often sold as 'Andara Crystal' or 'Aqua Obsidian' in metaphysical markets despite being recycled glass.
Special Characteristics
Features prominent round gas bubbles (spherical inclusions) and a lack of natural mineral growth patterns, identifying it as man-made material.
Lore & History
Historically, glassmaking dates back to 3500 BCE in Mesopotamia. In modern metaphysical circles, colored glass is sometimes used as a color-therapy tool or chakra stone (Heart/Throat), though it lacks the geological energy associated with natural minerals.