mineral

Polished green aventurine cabochon

Aventurine quartz (microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂, with fuchsite or other mica inclusions)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically green, opaque to translucent, with a vitreous-to-waxy luster and subtle aventurescence; Mohs hardness 6.5–7, no distinct cleavage, and quartz’s trigonal crystal structure. The pale central area may be a natural quartz-rich zone, surface abrasion, or an inclusion pattern.

Identified September 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize quartz with dispersed green fuchsite mica, commonly in metamorphic or hydrothermal environments; individual pieces may derive from Precambrian rocks, though exact age is locality-dependent.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, and inexpensive jewelry; also sold as a decorative lapidary stone.

Geological facts

Aventurine’s sparkle comes from reflective mineral inclusions, not from the quartz itself. Green material is commonly confused with jade, but aventurine is generally softer-looking and shows quartz-like hardness and granular texture.

Field identification & locations

Common sources include India, Brazil, Russia, Tanzania, and China. Identify it by its granular green body, possible glitter, quartz hardness, and lack of jade’s fibrous or extremely tough texture; acid causes no reaction.