mineral
Tumbled green aventurine quartz
Aventurine quartz; microcrystalline SiO₂ with dispersed mica or fuchsite inclusions
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectPale green, translucent to opaque, with a waxy-to-vitreous luster and subtly sparkly surface; hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs, massive granular structure, and no obvious cleavage. The rounded edges indicate tumbling or natural water wear, with brown host-rock staining or matrix.
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Physical properties
Pale green, translucent to opaque, with a waxy-to-vitreous luster and subtly sparkly surface; hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs, massive granular structure, and no obvious cleavage. The rounded edges indicate tumbling or natural water wear, with brown host-rock staining or matrix.
Formation & geological history
Forms when quartz-rich material crystallizes with chromium-bearing fuchsite mica or other green inclusions, commonly in metamorphic or hydrothermal settings. Aventurine deposits are especially known from India, Brazil, Russia, and Tanzania; exact age depends on the deposit.
Uses & applications
Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, ornaments, and inexpensive decorative stone; occasionally used as aggregate or architectural stone. This specimen is more likely a common lapidary piece than gem-grade material.
Geological facts
Aventurine’s characteristic glitter, called aventurescence, comes from reflective inclusions; this piece shows only weak glitter, so it may also be green quartzite or low-grade aventurine.
Field identification & locations
Identify by testing for quartz-like hardness, lack of cleavage, granular texture, and green mica sparkle under strong light; glass usually has bubbles and a smoother fracture. Common rough and tumbled pieces are sold worldwide.
