
mineral
Green Aventurine
Silicon Dioxide with Fuchsite inclusions (SiO2 + K(Al,Cr)2AlSi3O10(OH)2)
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Forest green to sea green; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.69. Displays aventurescence (a shimmering effect).
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- Forest green to sea green
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Forest green to sea green; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.69. Displays aventurescence (a shimmering effect).
Formation & geological history
Formed in metamorphic environments where quartz-rich sediments are subjected to heat and pressure, allowing mica inclusions to align within the quartz matrix. Most deposits are several hundred million years old.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry for cabochons and beads, ornamental carvings, pocket stones for metaphysical practices, and tumbled decorative stones.
Geological facts
The name comes from the Italian word 'a ventura,' meaning 'by chance,' originally referring to the accidental discovery of aventurine glass. The shimmering effect is caused by tiny chrome-rich mica flakes called fuchsite.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic green color and internal shimmering flakes (aventurescence). Commonly found in India, Brazil, Russia, and Tanzania. It is one of the most popular stones for beginner rock collectors.
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