Cochise College Student Papers in Geology
Geology Home Page physical geology historical geology planetary gems
Roger Weller, geology instructor
wellerr@cochise.edu
Quartz Family Gemstones-by
Audrey LaClair
Aventurine
Aventurine is a form of translucent
chalcedony that ranges in colors from green, orange, brown, gray, yellow, blue,
peach, red or purple. Green is the most searched for and valuable, while purple
is very rare. Aventurine glistens or shimmers which is called aventurescence.
Mica produces a silvery or yellow sheen. When there is red or gray sheen, it is
from Goethite and Hematite. When the stone has a green sheen to it, it is from
Fuschite.
photo by R.Weller
The name Aventurine comes from the Italian word “a ventura”, which means “by chance”. This is because of the discovery of aventurine glass by chance in the 18th century.
Aventurine is usually used as gemstones, beads, and cabochons, and can be used for ornamental figures as well. Be careful with aventurine though, because it will fade in the sun.
Aventurine is found in India, Brazil, Austria, Russia, Japan, Tanzania, Chile, Spain, and USA.
Aventurine is said to treat disorders of the heart, lungs, glands, and the muscular system. Aventurine is known to symbolize hope. It helps one to honor their decisions and to trust decisions, as well as many other qualities.
Physical Properties
Mineral Information: Tektosilicates quartz (silica group)
Chemical Composition: SiO2
Color: Green, gold-brown
Hardness: 7
Specific Gravity: 2.65
Refractive Index: 1.544-1.563
References:
http://www.pgrgem.com/color/datasheets/pgraventur.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aventurine
http://www.jewelrymall.com/stones/aventurine.html
http://www.starphirejewelry.com/aventurine.html
http://www.destarte.com/aventurine.html
http://www.bernardine.com/gemstones/aventurine.htm