Mineral/Metamorphic rock

Green Aventurine (Green Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with inclusions of Fuchsite (K(Al,Cr)2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2)

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale to deep green; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal (Microcrystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.64-2.69. It is characterized by 'aventurescence'—a shimmering effect.

Hardness: 6
Color: Pale to deep green
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified March 21, 2026More mineral/metamorphic rock →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed during regional metamorphism of quartz-rich sediments. The green color and shimmer are caused by chromium-rich mica (fuchsite) platelets being trapped inside the quartz matrix during crystallization. Specimen ages vary by deposit, often hundreds of millions of years old.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for ornamental carvings, jewelry (cabochons and beads), landscaping, and as a popular stone in the metaphysical and gemstone collecting community.

Geological facts

Aventurine is often mistaken for jade, but its shimmering aventurescence (caused by light reflecting off internal flakes of mica) is its defining geological feature. The name comes from the Italian 'a ventura,' meaning 'by chance,' originally referring to an 18th-century glass accidental discovery.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), green mottled color, and subtle metallic shimmer when rotated under light. Commonly found in India, Brazil, and Russia. Collectors should look for even color distribution and strong internal reflection.

Other mineral/metamorphic rock specimens

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Aventurine (likely Green Aventurine)

Aventurine (a variety of quartz, SiO₂, with common inclusions of fuchsite)

Mineral/Metamorphic Rock

Jade

Jade can refer to two distinct minerals: Nephrite (a variety of the mineral actinolite, Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2) and Jadeite (Na(Al,Fe3+)Si2O6). Based on the image, showing a relatively uniform green color and possibly slight translucence in bead form, it is very likely one of these, but determining which one from a photo is difficult without specific testing.

Mineral/Metamorphic Rock (Nephrite or Jadeite)

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Amphibolite

metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote ({Ca2}{Al2Fe3+}(Si2O7)(SiO4)O(OH))

mineral

Garnet Schist

Almandine Garnet Schist (Fe3Al2(SiO4)3 in Schistose matrix)

metamorphic