Aventurine Gemstone Information
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About Aventurine - History and Introduction
Aventurine is a gemstone variety of quartz characterized by its translucency and sparkly metallic inclusions. Glittery inclusions are typically composed of muscovite mica, which usually results in medium to dark green aventurine stones with a silvery green or blue sheen. The metallic inclusions give aventurine quartz a unique sparkling iridescent effect, known as 'aventurescence'. The remarkable optical effect is owed to traces of muscovite mica, and often hematite or goethite.
Aventurine typically ranges from light- to dark-green in color. Aventurine's color is caused by trace elements of fuchsite in otherwise colorless quartz. Fuchsite is a chromium-rich variety of muscovite. Aventurine is often so heavily included with fuchsite, that it is technically defined as a rock and not a mineral. Despite this technicality, aventurine is still classified as quartz by most, who consider fuchsite to be only an inclusion within the quartz.
Aventurine can typically be distinguished and identified by color and the presence of 'aventurescence'. Aventurine's unique optical phenomenon of 'aventurescence' ranges in intensity from weak to intense. The level of intensity depends on the density and size of metallic inclusions. The body color of aventurine also varies depending on inclusions. In fact, most aventurine quartz appears banded and exhibits noticeable lighter and darker color zones. Aventurine has a grainy texture in its rough state, but displays an attractive, soft and dull vitreous luster when polished. Aventurine quartz is sometimes confused with aventurine feldspar, but feldspar occurs orange to red and has a higher level of transparency, which makes it easily distinguishable.
Aventurine feldspar is now commonly referred to as 'sunstone', leaving the name 'aventurine' to refer primarily to the quartz variety. Aventurine quartz has a unique occurrence, hardness, luster, conchoidal fracture, refractive index and specific gravity. Aventurine may be easily confused with malachite and jade, but only by appearance, since both are much softer than aventurine quartz. The term 'Indian jade' is often incorrectly applied when referring to aventurine.
Aventurine quartz can be found in many locations around the world. Some of the most popular sources include Brazil, Chile, India, Austria, Russia and Tanzania.
Aventurine's Discovery
Aventurine was originally an accidental discovery made by Venetian glass workers during the 18th century. The name 'aventurine' was derived from the Italian words "a" and "ventura", which mean "by chance". The Miotti family from Italy created an iridescent Italian glass known as 'goldstone', which closely resembles aventurine. Goldstone was accidentally made when copper filings spilled into a batch of glass during production. This was the birth of goldstone and artificial aventurine. Muscovite mica was also named after a type of glass, known as 'Muscovy glass'.
Quartz has been used for centuries for gemstones and other ornamental objects. Some of the earliest known primitive tools were composed of quartz and discovered in Ethiopia's Omo Valley. Many of the tools date back more than two and a half million years and were found to be constructed from aventurine quartz. Aventurine is a superior material for tool-making because of its excellent hardness and also its isotropic brittleness that allows it to be shaped relatively easily.
Buying Aventurine and Determining Aventurine Gemstone Value Back to Top
Aventurine Color
Aventurine is most often thought of as a green variety of quartz, but it can naturally occur in variety of other colors, including brown, peach, yellow, red and blue. Other colors are quite rare as gemstones because they do not often occur in gem-quality. Specimens with hematite inclusions are typically red-brown or gold-brown and those included with goethite will usually occur greenish brown. Muscovite mica inclusions are most common, resulting in silvery green or blue colored sheen. Aventurine typically appears slightly banded with light and dark color zones.
Aventurine Clarity and Luster
Aventurine quartz clarity levels can range from slightly translucent to opaque. Opaque specimens are usually the result of over-abundant fuchsite inclusions. Aventurine quartz has a dull to vitreous luster when cut and polished, but in its rough state it appears very grainy in texture.
Aventurine Cut and Shape
Aventurine is almost always cut en cabochon. It is also commonly cut or carved into ornamental objects in the shape of animals or other natural figures. Aventurine is often cut into drilled gemstone beads. Shapes and cuts include traditional rounds, ovals, cushions and many fancy shapes too, such as trillions, pears and hearts.
Aventurine Treatment
Aventurine is not typically treated or enhanced in any way. There are imitations and artificial materials are sometimes used to imitate aventurine, the most common imitation is the Italian glass known as goldstone.
| Chemical Formula: |
Si02, Silicon dioxide |
| Crystal Structure: |
Trigonal, massive |
| Color: |
Green, red-brown, gold-brown, aventurescent |
| Hardness: |
7 on the Mohs scale |
| Refractive Index: |
1.544 - 1.553 |
| Density: |
2.64 - 2.69 |
| Cleavage: |
None |
| Transparency: |
Translucent to opaque |
| Double Refraction / Birefringence: |
0.009 |
| Luster: |
Dull, vitreous |
| Fluorescence: |
Green aventurine: reddish |
Please refer to our Gemstone Glossary for details on gemology-related terms.
Aventurine: Varieties or Similar Gemstones:
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Aventurine quartz is one of the many quartz gemstones available today. Quartz is the second most abundant mineral on Earth. In fact, approximately 12% of the Earth's crust is composed of quartz. There are a handful of gems which may appear similar to aventurine, including sunstone, malachite, variscite, chrysoprase, jade (Indian jade), chalcedony and amazonite. However, most of these are easily distinguished through simple scratch testing and inspection of colors or inclusions.
Aventurine's iridescent "aventurescence" is usually enough to identify and distinguish it amongst other gemstones. Goldstone is an artificial glass that is commonly used as an alternative for aventurine quartz.
Most Popular Related Gemstones and Minerals:
Aventurine feldspar (sunstone), quartz, cat's eye quartz, agate, chalcedony, amethyst, citrine and ametrine are the most common and popular related gemstones.
Lesser-Known Related Gemstones and Minerals:
Blue aventurine, hawk's eye, prasiolite, blood stone and chrysocolla chalcedony (gem silica), sardonyx, onyx, mystic quartz, strawberry quartz, rock crystal quartz and blue quartz are the rarer and lesser-known related materials.
Aventurine Gemstone Mythology, Metaphysical and Healing Powers Back to Top
Aventurine is known to be a stone of luck. Green aventurine is thought to hold the most power compared to other colors available. Aventurine is thought to stimulate dreams and have a positive effect on psychic ability. It is known to promote feelings of well-being and give its wearer a positive outlook on life. Aventurine can ease anxiety and strong emotion. Aventurine is thought to help one make decisions from the heart, stimulating creative inspiration and giving its wearer the courage to live among others (this applies to light to dark-green aventurine). It is a comforter and supporter as well as a balancing stone.
Pure green aventurine has the strongest healing energy. Many believe that it has the capability to calm a troubled spirit and bring about inner peace. In summary, aventurine symbolizes tranquility, patience and creativity. Physically, aventurine is thought to facilitate psychotherapy. It is an ideal stone for treating heart and respiratory disorders. Aventurine is also believed to help improve vision. It is associated with the planet Mercury and also the 6th and 7th chakras (the brow and crown chakras). Aventurine is a stone of Cancer and is also popular for those born under the signs of Taurus and Sagittarius.
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Disclaimer: Metaphysical and Alternative Crystal Healing Powers and Properties are not to be taken as confirmed advice. Traditional, Ceremonial and Mythological Gemstone Lore is collected from various resources and is not the sole opinion of SETT Co., Ltd. This information is not to replace the advice of your doctor. Should you have any medical conditions, please see a licensed medical practitioner. GemSelect does not guarantee any claims or statements of healing or astrological birthstone powers and cannot be held liable under any circumstances. |
Aventurine Gemstone and Jewelry Design Ideas Back to Top
Aventurine is popular for jewelry making, especially because of its excellent hardness and durability. Since it most often occurs opaque, it is often cut into beads and cabochons. Aventurine is ideal for any type of beaded or stranded jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets and ornamental carvings. Some popular ornamental carvings include bookends, animal cameos and figurines. Aventurine is ideal for use in gemstone cabochon rings and pendants.
Note: Buy colored gemstones by size and not by carat weight. Colored stones vary in size-to-weight ratio. Some stones are larger and others are smaller than diamonds by weight in comparison.
Aventurine Gemstone and Jewelry Care and Cleaning Back to Top
 Aventurine can be easily cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft cloth or brush. Aventurine quartz is considered to be very durable and has relatively good hardness (7 on the Moh's scale), but care should still be taken around other materials, because there are many other gem types that are harder than quartz. As with almost all gemstones, the use of harsh household chemicals should be avoided when caring for or cleaning aventurine gemstones. Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat, which may cause damage to aventurine gemstones.
When storing aventurine gemstones, store them inside a fabric-lined box or wrapped in a soft cloth. Aventurine should be stored separately from other types of gemstone to prevent damage or scratches. It is best to remove any jewelry before engaging in any strenuous physical activity, such as exercise or sports.
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