
mineral
Blue Aventurine
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) containing Dumortierite or Crocidolite inclusions
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale to deep denim blue; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.64-2.69. It often exhibits 'aventurescence' (a metallic shimmer).
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Pale to deep denim blue
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
Identified More mineral →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale to deep denim blue; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.64-2.69. It often exhibits 'aventurescence' (a metallic shimmer).
Formation & geological history
Formed in magmatic and metamorphic environments where quartz crystallizes with mineral inclusions. Most specimens are from the Phanerozoic eon, occurring in pegmatites and metamorphic schists.
Uses & applications
Primary use is in the jewelry industry for beads, cabochons, and tumbled stones. Also used for ornamental carvings, spiritual/metaphysical collecting, and as a decorative stone in mosaics.
Geological facts
The name 'Aventurine' comes from the Italian 'a ventura,' meaning 'by chance,' originally referring to the accidental discovery of aventurine glass (goldstone) in the 18th century, which this natural stone resembles.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic blue-grey hue and subtle interior sparkle (aventurescence). Commonly found in Brazil, India, and Russia. In the field, look for grainy quartz-like texture with a blue tint that does not scratch easily with steel.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock
Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral
Epidote
Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)
mineral