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Aventurine is known for its green shades and intriguing glittering effect that give the stone character and makes it come alive. Although not considered a major gemstone, this beautiful variety of quartz makes for eye-catching jewelry. Aventurine is affordable and suits a range of styles.
Let’s take a look at what aventurine is, how to choose a good-quality piece of aventurine, and what styles and jewelry works best with this green gemstone.
What is Aventurine?
Aventurine is a translucent to opaque form of quartz used in jewelry making. It is a commonly found gemstone around the world, although main sources include Brazil, Russia, Tanzania, India and Austria.
One of the unique characteristics of aventurine is its aventurescence. This refers to the glittering effect that the stone displays because of the specific inclusions within it (more on this later).
The term aventurine comes from the Italian ‘a ventura’ which means ‘by chance’. This is a reference to the lucky accident in which aventurine glass (a synthetic form of aventurine) was discovered by Venetian glass workers. The name then was attached to the natural gemstone that resembled the glittering glass.
How to Choose Aventurine Color
The shades of green aventurine can vary, from a light green to darker shades. It is often banded in appearance and can have color zoning because of the different positioning of the inclusions in the stone.
For the best color, look for aventurine that is of a medium-green leafy color. Too pale and it can appear watery, whereas too dark and the stone appears nearly black.
Fuschite is the inclusion that causes the green color in aventurine. It gives aventurine its medium to dark green hues and its glittering silvery blue/green shimmer. When there are traces of hematite or goethite inclusions in aventurine, it causes the other colors of the gemstone.
While green is the most popular color of aventurine, the gemstone also comes in a variety of other colors such as brown, blue, orange or gray. These are not very common and are often not of gemstone quality, which is why green aventurine is the most popular.
Aventurine and Clarity
In its natural state, aventurine has a grainy texture. This is because it’s a compact quartz with a vitreous to waxy luster. It ranges from translucent to opaque, but is never found in transparent varieties.
The inclusions within aventurine that causes its aventurescence and texture are made of muscovite mica which is a type of metallic inclusion. These inclusions are what distinguishes aventurine.
Choosing Aventurine Cut
Aventurine is typically cut into cabochons, to highlight its smooth waxy surface and exhibit its aventurescence. It can be cut into a variety of shapes, including round, square, pear, marquise and oval. Sometimes aventurine is carved into figures and decorative shapes.
Faceting aventurine does not enhance any sparkle or brilliance, but it does add a certain depth and complexity to the appearance of the stone.
Aventurine vs. Jade – What’s the Difference
Aventurine and jade are quite similar in appearance that it can sometimes be confusing to distinguish the two. This is why aventurine is sometimes called Indian Jade. However, although their durability and appearance are similar, these two gemstones are quite different.
Jade is composed of either jadeite or nephrite, whereas aventurine is a type of quartz. Jade does not exhibit any shimmer on its surface, as aventurine does. In general, jade is considered more valuable and especially in China and South-East Asia, jade holds strong cultural and historical value.
Synthetic, Treated and Imitation Aventurine
Aventurine is not generally treated or enhanced and is used in its natural form for jewelry making. There may sometimes be less valuable materials used to imitate aventurine, such as the variety of Italian glass known as goldstone. This can be almost impossible to tell apart from aventurine.
You can also find lab-created aventurine. However, this is not common as natural aventurine is a very affordable stone.
Aventurine in Jewelry
Aventurine can be used in all types of jewelry, from earrings, pendants, brooches, rings to bracelets. It generally has a casual and laid-back appearance and can cater to a range of styles, including minimalist, maximalist, and classic styles.
If you think that aventurine is any less beautiful than other green gemstones, think again. If set in high-quality, well-crafted settings, aventurine is elevated to a glamorous level and can suit any occasion.
For a relaxed, casual look, aventurine beaded bracelets and earring studs are popular. These are similar in appearance to jade beads, but are typically less expensive.
Because the stone is quite affordable, you can find beautifully crafted pieces at reasonable prices, making it an easy stone to add to your jewelry collection.
Aventurine Maintenance and Care
Aventurine has a hardness rating of 6.5 to 7 and is very durable. Due to its compact quartz nature, it is also very tough and resists chipping and fracturing fairly well.
When cleaning aventurine at home, simply using a mild soap and warm water to wash the stone. Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaners and materials to clean the stone as these can scratch the surface, doing more harm than good. Instead opt to use a soft cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush to clean aventurine.
When engaging in vigorous activities, such as gardening, playing sports or swimming, take your aventurine jewelry off to keep it safe. This is especially important if you have an aventurine bracelet or ring, but not so much for pendants and earrings, which are in safer locations and less exposed.
Ensure that the stone does not come into contact with household detergents and chemicals, including hairspray, cosmetics or perfumes as this can damage it.
Finally, when storing aventurine jewelry, always place it in a separate dust-free bag or pouch, away from other gemstones and metals. Because of its softer nature, harder gemstones such as diamonds, sapphires, topaz and so on, can scratch the stone.
Aventurine Meaning and Symbolism
Aventurine is thought to be the luckiest of all gemstones, one that brings in prosperity, wealth and opportunity. It is believed not only to ‘bring’ luck but to also create the conditions in which luck and opportunity flow in to your life. Whether you believe this or not, this is nice symbolism and comparable to wearing a horseshoe or 4 leaf clover designs for luck.
It is believed that green aventurine holds healing properties. For those worried about something, or in need of peace, aventurine is thought to be able to assist. Wearing aventurine jewelry is a way to keep it close and to benefit from it as a healing stone. Holding or wearing an aventurine is thought to bring relaxation, positivity and luck to a person.
Aventurine is also believed to be a calming and balancing stone, helping you to reduce your temper. It is also seen as a love crystal.
*Disclaimer: Jewelry Shopping Guide does not guarantee or validate any of the claims related to the metaphysical and alternative healing powers of this or any other gemstone.
Where to Buy Aventurine Jewelry
Aventurine is a minor gemstone and may be difficult to find in mainstream jewelry stores. Some of the best places to look for aventurine jewelry is in artisan jewelry stores.
We recommend searching on the following platforms:
Etsy – Etsy has a wide range of aventurine jewelry, from authentic antiques to inexpensive pieces. This gives you a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets. Again, do your due diligence, and ensure that the store is reputable. Check out our guide on how to shop on Etsy if you’d like some pointers
Amazon – Amazon is bound to have aventurine jewelry and gemstones to suit every budget. Do your due diligence and vet the retailer’s after sales policies (especially returns policies) and trustworthiness before you buy.
Wrapping Up
Aventurine is ideal if you want to add some new gemstones into your jewelry collection. As it isn’t a mainstream gemstone, it means that your jewelry will be somewhat unique. Also, because aventurine can be adapted to suit various fashion styles, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re drawn to aventurine for its purported symbolism, then you can’t go wrong keeping a little luck by your side.
