mineral

Green Aventurine

Aventurine Quartz (SiO2 with Fuchsite inclusions)

Hardness: 7 Mohs, Color: Light to dark green, Luster: Vitreous to waxy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline), Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.7. It is known for its aventurescence, a shimmering effect caused by platy mineral inclusions.

Identified July 13, 2026More mineral →

Explore Green Aventurine in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Metamorphic process where quartz recrystallizes under high heat and pressure, or igneous through the cooling of silica-rich fluids. The green color is primarily due to inclusions of chrome-rich fuchsite mica.

Uses & applications

Commonly used for tumbled stones, decorative carvings, jewelry beads, and cabochons. It is also popular in holistic practices and as a landscaping stone.

Geological facts

The name 'Aventurine' comes from the Italian 'a ventura,' meaning 'by chance,' originally referring to the accidental discovery of goldstone glass in the 18th century, which looks similar.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its signature green color and minute sparkly inclusions (aventurescence). It is commonly found in India, Brazil, and Russia. To distinguish from jade, note that aventurine is usually more granular and sparkly.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust

Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)

Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)

mineral

Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)

Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)

Mineral

Epidote

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

metamorphic