mineral

Tumbled green aventurine

Quartz (SiO₂) with fuchsite or other green mica inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically translucent to opaque green, with a vitreous luster and subtle sparkly aventurescence; hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs, trigonal crystal structure, and no prominent cleavage. The rounded, polished form is tumbled rather than naturally crystal-faced.

Identified August 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize quartz in metamorphic or hydrothermal settings, incorporating chromium-bearing fuchsite mica; deposits are commonly Precambrian to younger metamorphic rocks. The specimen has been cut and polished.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, ornaments, and inexpensive decorative stone; occasionally used as a quartz aggregate. It is popular in mineral collecting and lapidary work.

Geological facts

Aventurine’s glitter is called aventurescence and is caused by reflective mineral inclusions, usually mica or hematite. Green aventurine is often confused with jade, but it is generally softer and more visibly sparkly.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its green quartz body, waxy-to-glassy polish, and mica-like shimmer; a scratch test should not be attempted on the specimen. Common sources include India, Brazil, Russia, Tanzania, and China.