mineral

Green Aventurine

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Fuchsite inclusions

Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Green with metallic shimmer (aventurescence); Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.69

Hardness: 6
Color: Green with metallic shimmer (aventurescence)
Luster: Vitreous

Identified June 6, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Green with metallic shimmer (aventurescence); Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.69

Formation & geological history

Formed in metamorphic environments where quartz-rich sediments or magmatic deposits are subjected to heat and pressure, allowing the mineral fuchsite (mica) to interleave with the quartz crystals.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry (cabochons, beads), decorative carvings, aquarium decorations, and as a popular specimen for metaphysical collectors.

Geological facts

Its name comes from the Italian 'a ventura,' meaning 'by chance.' This refers to the 18th-century discovery of aventurine glass, which looked like this natural stone. The characteristic shimmer is caused by platy inclusions of green mica.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive speckled green appearance and the way it sparkles when rotated under light. Commonly found in India, Brazil, and Russia. It is often confused with jade, but the presence of mica sparkles is a key differentiator.

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