Rock Identifier
Polished green aventurine (probable) (Quartz variety, primarily SiO₂, with mica or fuchsite inclusions) — mineral
mineral

Polished green aventurine (probable)

Quartz variety, primarily SiO₂, with mica or fuchsite inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Pale green-gray, opaque to translucent, glassy-to-waxy luster, and fine granular quartz texture; hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs, no obvious cleavage, specific gravity near 2.6. The oval shape and smooth surface indicate a polished or tumbled specimen.

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Physical properties

Pale green-gray, opaque to translucent, glassy-to-waxy luster, and fine granular quartz texture; hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs, no obvious cleavage, specific gravity near 2.6. The oval shape and smooth surface indicate a polished or tumbled specimen.

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize quartz in metamorphic or hydrothermal settings, with green mica/fuchsite producing the color; most material is relatively young geologically, commonly from Precambrian metamorphic rocks. Exact identification requires testing because pale jade, serpentine, or quartzite can look similar.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, ornamental objects, and inexpensive jewelry; occasionally sold as a lapidary stone.

Geological facts

Aventurine’s characteristic aventurescence is caused by reflective mica platelets, though this specimen shows little obvious sparkle. It may also be marketed commercially as “green quartz.”

Field identification & locations

Common sources include India, Brazil, Russia, and China. Test with a steel file or glass cautiously: quartz should scratch ordinary glass, whereas softer look-alikes generally will not; a gemological test is needed for certainty.