mineral

Aventurine

Quartz (SiO2) with fuchsite inclusions

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale. Color: Green (due to fuchsite), sometimes blue, red, or yellow. Luster: Vitreous to greasy, characterized by a shimmering or glistening effect known as aventurescence. Crystal structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: None. Specific gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
Color: Green (due to fuchsite), sometimes blue, red, or yellow

Identified August 2, 2026More mineral →

Explore Aventurine in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in metamorphic environments, particularly through regional metamorphism of quartz-rich rocks, or hydrothermally in pegmatites and veins where quartz crystallizes alongside chromium-rich mica (fuchsite).

Uses & applications

Widely used in the manufacture of tumbled stones, cabochons, carvings, decorative objects, and jewelry. Popular in crystal healing and collections.

Geological facts

Aventurine gets its name from the Italian word 'avventura', meaning 'by chance', which refers to the accidental discovery of aventurine glass in the 18th century.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its distinct green color combined with a metallic or glittering sparkle (aventurescence) caused by mineral flakes within the quartz matrix. Found globally, with notable deposits in India, Brazil, Russia, and the United States.