
mineral
Polished green aventurine
Quartzite or quartz-rich rock containing fuchsite mica; mainly SiO₂
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectTypically medium green with subtle glitter from included mica, though this polished heart appears matte/satin. Quartz hardness is about 7 Mohs, vitreous to waxy luster, granular crystalline texture, no prominent cleavage, and specific gravity around 2.6–2.7.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Polished green aventurine in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Typically medium green with subtle glitter from included mica, though this polished heart appears matte/satin. Quartz hardness is about 7 Mohs, vitreous to waxy luster, granular crystalline texture, no prominent cleavage, and specific gravity around 2.6–2.7.
Formation & geological history
Forms when silica-rich material recrystallizes into quartzite or when quartz veins crystallize with green fuchsite inclusions, commonly during metamorphic or hydrothermal activity. Precise age depends on locality.
Uses & applications
Used for cabochons, carvings, hearts, beads, decorative stone, and inexpensive jewelry; larger pieces are used ornamentally rather than structurally.
Geological facts
Aventurine’s characteristic shimmer is called aventurescence and is caused by reflective mineral inclusions, especially fuchsite or mica. The pictured specimen is likely shaped and polished.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its green color, fine sparkle, quartz-like hardness, and inability to scratch glass only if sufficiently quartz-rich; distinguish it from dyed quartz or green glass by inspecting inclusions and texture. Common sources include India, Brazil, Russia, and Tanzania.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous