metamorphic
Green Quartzite (Aventurine-like)
Quartzite (primarily SiO2 with trace Fuchsite mica inclusions)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale to sage green; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (granular texture); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.63 - 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Pale to sage green
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale to sage green; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (granular texture); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.63 - 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through the regional metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone. High heat and pressure Recrystallize the quartz grains, locking them into a tight mosaic. The green color is typically caused by the presence of chromium-rich muscovite (fuchsite) within the matrix.
Uses & applications
Used in landscaping, decorative stone masonry, and construction. Finer specimens (Aventurine) are used in jewelry, bead making, and lapidary art. It is also a popular stone for metaphysical practitioners and mineral collectors.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so tough that it often survives the effects of weathering better than most other rocks, frequently forming the caps of ridges and mountain ranges. The 'shimmer' seen in some green specimens is known as adventurescence.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its inability to be scratched by a steel knife and its granular, sugary texture. It is commonly found in metamorphic belts such as those in India, Brazil, Russia, and the Appalachian Mountains. To distinguish from jade, look for the 'sugary' grain structure under a magnifying glass.
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