7 Popular Manufactured Stones

In the world of jewelry, you come across a wide array of stones. Some are entirely natural, while others are purely synthetic. However, there are also numerous popular manufactured gems that tread the line between genuine and faux.

Manufactured stones typically feature genuine gemstone or other natural materials in many cases, though that isn’t universally true. However, in essentially every manufactured stone, some of the components are often manmade. Additionally, any genuine gems may undergo artificial processes to brighten colouring, increase shine, and more.

Ultimately, manufactured stones can be breathtakingly beautiful, making them strong additions to any piece. Here’s a look at seven popular manufactured stones.

7 Popular Manufactured Stones

1. Composite Stones

Composite stones can go by many names, depending on the gemstone used and their overall shape. One classic example of an alternative name is “reconstituted stone.” In some cases, there’s also referred to as upcycled or remnant stone creations.

Generally, composite stones feature natural gemstone material, often smaller chips or remnants created when gems are cut. Those small gemstone pieces are combined with a manufactured binding material, such as resin. Then, the composite material is shaped and polished.

At times, other processes may also be involved. For example, gemstone remnants may be dyed or treated to alter their colouring, which is usually to ensure that any hues are incredibly vibrant. The resin may be clear or dyed, and materials may be added to it to give it a metallic quality.

In most cases, reconstituted stone beads are the most popular version of this type of manufactured stone. However, you may also find composite cabochons and other creations.

Shop our Manufactured and Up-cycled Stone Jewelry Collection

2. Goldstone

The goldstone gemstone is a manufactured gem that’s primarily glass. During its creation, copper oxide is added to molten glass, and the glass is then heated, causing the copper oxide to dissolve. Then, it’s slowly cooled, giving copper ions enough time to bind into copper crystals, leaving behind visible specks of copper within the glass base.

Goldstone is classically a reddish-brown hue, but the glass is actually colourless in this case. As a result, the colouring is created by the presence of copper within the material.

However, that’s not the only colour you can find when exploring goldstone. For example, there’s blue goldstone and green goldstone, both of which feature deep colouring with metallic flecks. Those are created using a similar process, but the copper is replaced by cobalt and chromium, respectively.

When it comes to the goldstone meaning, in a spiritual context, many associate the stone with ambition, goal achievement, drive, and ambition. Some also feel it encourages a positive attitude and confidence.

In many cases, goldstone is turned into cabochons or beads. That allows the glassy surface and metallic inclusions to really shine, leading to eye-catching pieces with plenty of sparkle.

3. Opalite

Many people ask, “What is opalite stone?” and end up with some contradictory information. This is mainly because “opalite” refers to two different stones. One is naturally occurring, and the other is manufactured.

If you’re wondering, “What is opalite?” the naturally occurring version mainly comprises hydrated silica spheres. Sometimes, that leads to a cat’s eye effect, which is quite attractive.

What is opalite made of if it’s the manufactured variant? The composition varies depending on the manufacturer’s preferred process. Most manufactured opalite is glass, so it does feature natural materials. However, other materials are added to the glass to create the desired visual effect.

There is some opalite that’s made with resin or plastic instead. As a result, if you’re looking for manufactured opalite, you may want to ensure it’s the glass variety if you prefer natural materials.

Many people associate the stone with improved communication when it comes to the spiritual opalite benefits. It’s also said to remove energy blockages relating to the chakras and promote strength and persistence.

4. Fordite

Also referred to as Detroit agate or motor agate, the fordite stone is actually made from excess automotive paint that would collect, dry, and harden. During the vehicle paint application process, overspray would start accumulating in various areas of the shop. Eventually, craftspeople began collecting the material, turning it into fordite jewelry, mainly creating fordite beads, cabochons, or mildly faceted designs.

Often, fordite stones are multicoloured, as they typically include a wide array of paint hues. Since the overspray issues aren’t as common today due to advancing technology, older pieces of genuine fordite Detroit agate are often viewed as small pieces of automotive history, making them incredibly popular.

5. Mosaic Quartz

Mosaic quartz is a composite stone that features natural gemstone and manufactured materials to create stunningly beautiful pieces. Usually, the gem involved in these creations is quartz or one of its variants, such as amethyst or citrine.

The quartz may be a natural hue, or it might be dyed or treated to make the colouring stronger or imbue shades that don’t naturally occur in quartz. The quartz chips or slivers are then combined with resin, which serves as a binder.

In some cases, materials are also mixed into the resin to create genuinely unique pieces. For example, adding mica powder can give the resin a metallic quality. Resin can also be dyed and an array of colours.

6. Terra Agate

Terra agate is a striking stone that features a mix of colours, including deep brown, sky blue, seafoam green, turquoise, white, and more. While the base material is natural, terra agate undergoes special processes to enhance the colour and patterning, often making the blues brighter or more distinct.

In some cases, terra agate is also laser etched or sanded to help augment the look of its patterning. Ultimately, it creates an excellent sense of depth highlighted by the translucent nature of the authentic agate used to craft it.

7. Impression Jasper

Many people wonder, “Is impression jasper a real stone?” Like many of the other stones on this list, the answer to the question, “What is impression jasper?” is that it’s a composite stone featuring a mix of natural and manufactured materials.

Typically, impression jasper doesn’t contain jasper. Instead, the natural components are usually variscite, a different mineral type. In some cases, the variscite is dyed to enhance its natural bluish green or green colouring or to tint the material to give it a new hue.

Usually, the binding material used for impression jasper beads, cabochons, and other creations is resin. However, some may use glass or plastic.

One version of impression jasper also goes by the name “aqua terra jasper.” If you’re wondering, “Is aqua terra jasper natural?” the answer is “yes and no.” Generally, it features natural materials, such as marble. However, it also undergoes processes to enhance its colour, such as dying. Resins and other materials can also be involved when making aqua terra jasper beads, potentially introducing artificial materials into the mix.

When it comes to the impression jasper meaning, it can vary based on a person’s belief system. However, many associate it with tranquillity, unity, and balance. It’s also said to absorb negative energy. 

You can learn about interesting authentic types and colors of Jasper here.