Geology / History
A member of the Quartz group, the most common colour of aventurine is green but it may also be orange, brown, yellow, blue, or gray. Chrome-bearing fuchsite (a variety of muscovite mica) is the classic inclusion & gives a silvery green or blue sheen. Oranges & browns are attributed to hematite or goethite.
The name aventurine derives from the Italian "a ventura" meaning "by chance". This is an allusion to the lucky discovery of aventurine glass or goldstone at some point in the 18th century. Goldstone is now a common imitation of aventurine & sunstone. Goldstone is distinguished visually from the latter two minerals by its coarse flecks of copper dispersed within the glass in an unnaturally uniform manner. It is usually a golden brown & may also be found in blue or green.
Metaphysical Properties
Stone of prosperity & abundance. Great within gardens. Absorbs electromagnetic smog. Defuses negative situation & thinking turning them positive. Reinforces leadership & decisiveness. Stabilises ones mind & stimulates creativity. Calms anger & irritation so you can live from your heart. Promotes sense of well being. An all-round healer & harmonizer. Promotes growth, happiness & abundance.
Crystal Healing
Benefits thymus gland, nervous system, balances blood pressure, relieves migraines, depression, soothes eyes & skin eruptions.
Mineralogy
Group: Quartz (Silicates-Tectosilicates)
Crystal System: Trigonal, Hexagonal
Composition: SiO2
Form/Habit: Massive
Hardness: 7
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal, Splintery
Lustre: Vitreous
Streak: White
Specific Gravity: 2.64-2.69
Transparency: Translucent
R.I: 1.554-1.553
Colour: Green, Red-brown, Gold-Brown
Birefringence: 0.007-0.010
Pleochroism: Absent
Fluorescence: Green Aventurine - Reddish
Fuschite in Quartz