Aventurine
ID: 88
Aventurine
Chemical Formula
SiO₂
Hardness (Mohs)
6.5 - 7
Crystal System
Trigonal
Streak
White
Luster
Vitreous, often with a glittery or shimmering (aventurescent) appearance.
Diaphaneity
Translucent
Color
Most commonly green (due to fuchsite inclusions), but can also be red, orange, brown, blue, or gray depending on the inclusions (e.g., hematite, goethite, dumortierite).
Crystal Habit / Mode of Occurrence
Typically massive; rarely found in crystal form. It's a type of quartzite.
Fun Facts
The name "aventurine" comes from the Italian phrase "a ventura," meaning "by chance." This refers to the accidental discovery of goldstone glass in the 18th century, which had a similar sparkly appearance, and the name was later applied to the natural gemstone.