mineral

Green aventurine (likely)

Quartz variety, SiO₂, colored commonly by fuchsite mica or chlorite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Pale green, opaque to translucent, with a vitreous-to-waxy luster; hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs, trigonal crystal structure, no prominent cleavage, and specific gravity near 2.65. The small rough piece appears green and massive, though the photo cannot confirm aventurine’s characteristic mica sparkle.

Identified August 14, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when quartz crystallizes in silica-rich hydrothermal veins or metamorphic rocks, incorporating green mica or chlorite; specimens may range from ancient metamorphic settings to younger vein systems. Common sources include India, Brazil, Russia, and Tanzania.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, ornamental objects, and inexpensive jewelry; massive green quartz is also sold as a decorative lapidary stone.

Geological facts

Aventurine’s glitter, called aventurescence, comes from reflective mineral inclusions rather than the quartz itself. Similar-looking green stones include chrysoprase, serpentine, jade, and amazonite.

Field identification & locations

Check for glassy quartz hardness, lack of cleavage, and tiny reflective flecks; a steel file should generally not scratch it. Field identification is provisional without a sparkle test, hardness test, or microscopy.