mineral

Green Quartz (Prasiolite/Adventurine)

Silicon Dioxide with inclusions (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale to deep green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pale to deep green
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified June 5, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale to deep green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins or as a secondary mineral in volcanic rock cavities. It can be found in metamorphic environments or sedimentary deposits as weathered grains.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry as a gemstone, decorative carvings, and as a collector's specimen.

Geological facts

Natural green quartz is actually quite rare in nature; most commercial 'green quartz' is amethyst that has been heat-treated. When naturally occurring due to inclusions like fuchsite, it is known as Aventurine.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (scratches glass) and lack of cleavage. Can be found in riverbeds or near quartz veins. Look for a glassy luster and characteristic green hue.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Biotite Schist

Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]

metamorphic