Aventurine
Last updated: April 2026
A macrocrystalline quartz aggregate with flat platy inclusions (typically fuchsite mica for green; hematite/goethite for red-brown; dumortierite for blue) that produce aventurescence — a spangled glitter when rotated. Green aventurine is the most common and is frequently sold as 'Indian jade.' It is NOT microcrystalline quartz (chalcedony) — it is granular crystalline quartz.
Physical & Optical Properties
RI Range1.544–1.553
SG Range2.64–2.69
SG Typical2.65
Hardness (Mohs)7
Crystal SystemTrigonal
Optic CharacterAggregate
Dispersion0.013
Fluorescence LWInert
Fluorescence SWInert
Chelsea FilterInert
PleochroismNone
ColorsGreen, Blue Violet, Red Pink, Yellow Orange, Brown
SpeciesQuartz
Related: Quartz Varieties
Key Differentiators
- Aventurescence from flat fuchsite (green mica) platelets — visible under magnification
- Quartz RI (~1.544–1.553) and SG (~2.65) — distinct from jade and chrysoprase
- Aggregate structure — not a single crystal
Common Simulants
- Jadeite: Jadeite: RI 1.660–1.680; SG 3.24–3.43. Much higher RI and SG than aventurine. Interlocking granular texture, not fibrous. Chelsea filter: inert to weak red.
- Nephrite: Nephrite: RI 1.600–1.627; SG 2.90–3.10. Higher RI and SG than aventurine. Fibrous/matted texture.
- Glass aventurine (Goldstone): Isotropic (SR); angular metallic crystals in glass (not flat platelets); conchoidal fracture; SG varies. Easily separated under polariscope and magnification.
Commonly Confused With
Commonly confused with: Jadeite, Nephrite, Chrysoberyl.
Treatments
- Dyed — artificial color introduced to pale material
Price Context
Natural — low ($/ct)$2
Natural — high ($/ct)$30
NotePer carat; common commercial gem; Indian origin dominant; finer aventurescence and deeper color command higher prices
Price context is approximate. GemID is not an appraisal tool. Results are indicators, not certified valuations.
Measurement Guides
Identifying an aventurine? GemID walks through these tests in order — RI, SG, fluorescence, and more.
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