Aventurine is a quartz that sparkles, and the word has an unusual origin: it was a glassmaker’s stone before it was a mineral’s. The glitter seen in green aventurine comes from tiny plates of another mineral trapped inside the quartz.
What it is
Aventurine is a quartz with small, flat inclusions, and the effect of their shimmering reflection is called aventurescence. In the green variety, which is the most common, the inclusions are fuchsite, a chromium-bearing mica that gives the green colour. Other varieties include blue, orange and brown, coloured by other inclusions. Because it is quartz, its hardness is 7 on the Mohs scale, and it is tough and durable.
Green aventurine is found in India, Brazil, Russia, Chile and Spain. India has long been a major source, and much of the aventurine on the market is cut there.
History and culture
The name comes from the Italian a ventura, meaning “by chance”. According to a widely repeated account, glassmakers on the island of Murano, near Venice, discovered a type of glass with sparkling copper crystals by accident, and called it avventurina. The natural stone with a similar shimmer was later named after the glass, which is why the word is unusual: the imitation gave its name to the original.
Aventurine glass, sometimes called goldstone, is still made, and it is often sold as if it were a natural stone. Natural aventurine itself has been carved into beads, small objects and cabochons in many places, and is a popular material for ornamental objects in India and China. It is not a traditional birthstone.
What crystal traditions associate with it
In many crystal traditions, aventurine is associated with luck, opportunity and optimism, and is sometimes called the gambler’s stone, a modern folk nickname. It is linked with the heart chakra, because of the green colour, and with Aries and Leo in some zodiac lists, though sources vary. There is no evidence that any stone affects luck, and these are symbolic associations.
How people use it
Aventurine beads are worn as bracelets and necklaces, and tumbled stones are carried in pockets or kept near a desk. Polished spheres and carved animals are popular for display. Because the stone is inexpensive, it is a favourite for first-time buyers and for beaded jewellery.
Care and safety
- Aventurine is durable and stable in water. Clean with lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and sudden heat.
- Keep beaded jewellery away from water for long periods, since the string and finish can be damaged.
- Do not swallow stones or place them in drinks.
Look-alikes
Several stones are sold as green aventurine that are something else. Aventurine glass, goldstone and green quartzite are common. Green quartzite with fuchsite is sometimes sold under the same name and is a closely related rock. Dyed quartz and dyed glass are also common. A seller who is transparent about the material is the best guide. True aventurine shows a shimmer of tiny flat flakes, not a uniform glitter throughout.
Sourcing
India has small-scale and large-scale operations, and quartz is widely quarried. As with most stones in the trade, ask a seller about origin and labour practices if these matter to you.
A note on health. Crystals are valued for beauty, meaning and ritual. There is no scientific evidence that they treat health conditions. If you are struggling with your health or mood, please speak to a doctor.
Frequently asked questions
↳ Why is it called aventurine?
It comes from the Italian for "by chance", after a type of sparkling glass made by accident in Venice. The natural stone was later named after the glass.
↳ What makes green aventurine green?
The colour comes from tiny plates of fuchsite, a chromium mica, inside the quartz.
↳ Is goldstone the same thing?
No. Goldstone is a man-made glass with tiny copper crystals. It is a separate material that is sometimes sold as a natural stone.