mineral
Green Aventurine
Quartz with Fuchsite inclusions (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, translucent to opaque green color with a shimmering or glittering effect (aventurescence) due to mineral inclusions, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity around 2.65.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Green Aventurine in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, translucent to opaque green color with a shimmering or glittering effect (aventurescence) due to mineral inclusions, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity around 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms primarily in metamorphic environments, specifically in quartz veins, pegmatites, and schists, where silica-rich solutions interact with chromium-rich minerals like fuchsite over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in ornamental carvings, gemstone jewelry, tumbled stones, and as a popular specimen for crystal collectors.
Geological facts
The shimmering effect known as 'aventurescence' is caused by tiny flat inclusions of reflective minerals such as mica, hematite, or goethite suspended within the quartz matrix.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its distinct green color combined with a subtle metallic glitter when rotated in the light. Commonly found in India, Brazil, Russia, and the United States.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments
Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate
sedimentary
Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)
FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)
mineral
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic