mineral

Likely green aventurine or serpentine fragment

Aventurine quartz (SiO₂ with fuchsite mica) or serpentine-group mineral

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small, opaque green, fine-grained specimen with a dull to subtly sparkly surface and irregular, possibly tumbled shape. Aventurine has Mohs hardness 6.5–7; serpentine is softer, about 2.5–5.5; cleavage is poor to absent and specific gravity is roughly 2.6–2.7.

Identified September 14, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Green aventurine forms when quartz crystallizes with chromium-bearing fuchsite mica, commonly in metamorphic veins; serpentine forms by hydration of ultramafic rocks. The photograph cannot establish its geological age or confidently distinguish these materials.

Uses & applications

Aventurine is used for carvings, beads, decorative stone, and inexpensive jewelry; serpentine is used ornamentally and occasionally as a marble substitute. This small piece has little commercial value.

Geological facts

The visible speckling is consistent with mica inclusions, a typical feature of aventurine, though image resolution is insufficient for confirmation.

Field identification & locations

Check hardness with a steel knife or glass, look for glittering mica, and test streak, density, and translucency; acid testing is generally unnecessary. Green aventurine commonly occurs in India, Brazil, Russia, and Tanzania; serpentine is widespread in ultramafic terrains.