mineral
Aventurine
Silicon Dioxide (Quartz with Fuchsite inclusions) - SiO2
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Deep green with brownish matrix patches. Luster: Vitreous to shimmering (aventurescence). Crystal System: Trigonal (microcrystalline). Cleavage: None.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Deep green with brownish matrix patches
- Luster
- Vitreous to shimmering (aventurescence)
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: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Deep green with brownish matrix patches. Luster: Vitreous to shimmering (aventurescence). Crystal System: Trigonal (microcrystalline). Cleavage: None.
Formation & geological history
Formed in metamorphic and magmatic environments where hydrothermal quartz veins crystallize with tiny flakes of green chromium-bearing mica (fuchsite).
Uses & applications
Widely used as an ornamental stone, lapidary material, gemstone carvings, beads, and as a popular specimen for mineral collectors.
Geological facts
The shimmering effect characteristic of aventurine is called 'aventurescence', which is caused by light reflecting off tiny platy inclusions of mica contained within the quartz matrix.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its distinct green hue, quartz-like hardness, and subtle sparkling quality under direct light. Major deposits are found in India, Brazil, and Russia.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock