mineral
Red Aventurine
Quartz variety (SiO2 with Hematite/Goethite inclusions)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Reddish-brown to pinkish-red; Luster: Vitreous to waxy with a sparkly aventurescence; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: ~2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Reddish-brown to pinkish-red
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy with a sparkly aventurescence
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Reddish-brown to pinkish-red; Luster: Vitreous to waxy with a sparkly aventurescence; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: ~2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms primarily in metamorphic rocks, pegmatites, and hydrothermal veins where quartz crystallizes with microscopic inclusions of hematite, goethite, or lepidocrocite, which impart the reddish hue and sparkling reflective effect.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in gemstone jewelry, decorative carvings, beads, polished cabochons, and as a popular specimen for rock tumbling and crystal collections.
Geological facts
The characteristic glinting effect in aventurine is known as 'aventurescence', caused by light reflecting off tiny platy mineral inclusions suspended within the quartz structure.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its quartz-like hardness, reddish tone, and subtle metallic or sparkling shimmer when rotated in bright light. Commonly found in India, Brazil, Russia, and South Africa.
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