mineral
Tumbled light-green quartz, likely aventurine or prehnite
Quartz (SiO₂), possibly green aventurine; visual identification is uncertain
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness about 6.5–7; pale green, translucent, vitreous-to-waxy luster, commonly massive rather than visibly crystalline, with no obvious cleavage. The rounded surface and polish indicate human tumbling.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness about 6.5–7; pale green, translucent, vitreous-to-waxy luster, commonly massive rather than visibly crystalline, with no obvious cleavage. The rounded surface and polish indicate human tumbling.
Formation & geological history
Quartz-bearing material formed in hydrothermal veins or metamorphic rocks; green color may result from fuchsite mica (aventurine) or epidote inclusions. Exact geological age and locality cannot be determined from the photograph.
Uses & applications
Used as an ornamental stone, inexpensive cabochon, bead, and lapidary material; typically a low-cost collector specimen.
Geological facts
The pictured basket contains assorted tumbled stones, so the displayed piece may also be pale-green calcite or prehnite rather than quartz. A scratch test, refractive index, and specific gravity would distinguish them.
Field identification & locations
Quartz usually scratches glass and shows a glassy luster; calcite is softer (Mohs 3) and reacts with dilute acid, while prehnite is commonly more waxy and has hardness 6–6.5. Common sources include Brazil, India, Madagascar, and South Africa.
