mineral

Polished green aventurine

Quartzite dominated by quartz (SiO₂), colored by fuchsite mica and/or iron-bearing inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Identified August 11, 2026More mineral →

Explore Polished green aventurine in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Typically translucent to opaque green with vitreous luster and occasional glittery aventurescence; quartz hardness is about 7 Mohs, with no obvious cleavage, granular texture, and specific gravity near 2.6–2.7. The smooth carved form and darker inclusions are consistent with polished aventurine, though jade or serpentine are possible look-alikes.

Formation & geological history

Forms when quartz-rich sediments or veins recrystallize and acquire disseminated green mica or other inclusions, commonly during metamorphism; deposits range from Precambrian to younger geological ages. Major sources include India, Brazil, Russia, and Tanzania.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, ornaments, and inexpensive jewelry; also sold as a lapidary and collecting stone. It has little structural or industrial use compared with ordinary quartzite.

Geological facts

Aventurescence is caused by reflective platelets, especially fuchsite; not all green aventurine sparkles strongly. A refractive-index, density, or hardness test helps distinguish it from jade and serpentine.

Field identification & locations

Field identification relies on green color, quartz-like hardness, granular texture, and mica sparkle; avoid relying on color alone. Common rough material occurs in quartzite or vein deposits; polished pieces generally sell for $10–$60, while larger artistic carvings may reach $100–$300.