mineral
Green Aventurine
Quartz with fuchsite inclusions (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale; color ranges from light to dark green with a characteristic shimmering or glistening effect (aventurescence) caused by mineral inclusions; vitreous to greasy luster; crystal structure is trigonal; no cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale; color ranges from light to dark green with a characteristic shimmering or glistening effect (aventurescence) caused by mineral inclusions; vitreous to greasy luster; crystal structure is trigonal; no cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the hydrothermal alteration of quartz veins or within metamorphic rock environments, often found in quartz-rich pegmatites and schist.
Uses & applications
Widely used for ornamental objects, carvings, tumbled stones, jewelry, and in metaphysical practices.
Geological facts
The shimmering effect in aventurine is known as aventurescence, which is caused by tiny reflective plates of fuchsite (a chromium-rich variety of muscovite mica) trapped inside the quartz matrix.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified by its distinctive green color combined with a metallic or sparkly glitter under light; commonly sourced from India, Brazil, Russia, and the United States.
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