metamorphic
Green Aventurine
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Fuchsite inclusions
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Pale to deep green; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.69. Known for aventurescence (shimmer).
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- Pale to deep green
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
Identified More metamorphic →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Pale to deep green; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.69. Known for aventurescence (shimmer).
Formation & geological history
Formed as a metamorphic rock (Quartzite) during the compression of sandstones. The green color is derived from inclusions of platey green chrome-mica known as Fuchsite. Geological age varies significantly by deposit (Proterozoic to Mesozoic era).
Uses & applications
Primarily used for jewelry (beads, cabochons), ornamental carvings, statues, and metaphysical/collecting purposes. Occasionally used as a decorative building stone.
Geological facts
Aventurine is often mistaken for Jade or Amazonite. Its name is derived from the Italian 'a ventura,' meaning 'by chance,' because the shimmering effect was similar to a chance glass discovery (Goldstone) in the 18th century.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its distinct shimmering flakes (aventurescence) when turned under light and its lack of cleavage. Primarily sourced from India, Brazil, Russia, and Austria. For collectors, look for uniform color and strong shimmer.
More like this
