mineral
Aventurine
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with inclusions of Fuchsite
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs); Color: Pale to dark green with shimmering flakes; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.69
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Pale to dark green with shimmering flakes
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
Identified More mineral →
Explore Aventurine in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs); Color: Pale to dark green with shimmering flakes; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.69
Formation & geological history
Formed in magmatic and metamorphic environments where silica-rich fluids cool and crystallize, with the green color resulting from tiny inclusions of chrome-rich mica (fuchsite).
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry for beads, cabochons, and carvings; also popular in ornamental home decor and metaphysical collections.
Geological facts
The name 'Aventurine' comes from the Italian 'a ventura,' meaning 'by chance,' originally referring to the accidental discovery of aventurine glass (goldstone) in the 18th century, which the stone resembles.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its 'aventurescence' (a metallic glitter or shimmer). It is commonly found in India, Brazil, Russia, and Madagascar. Beware of green glass imitations which lack the natural mica inclusions.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock