Aventurine

Aventurine is a form of quartz, characterized by its translucency and the presence of mineral inclusions that give a shimmering or glistening effect.  The most common color of aventurine is green, but it may also be orange, brown, yellow, blue, or gray. The mostly dark green with metallic glittery appearance is caused by inclusions of mica.  Red to gold-brown is caused by the inclusion of hematite leaves. Because aventurine is a rock, its physical properties vary.  Aventurine which is often banded and has an overabundance of fuchsite may render it opaque, in which case it may be mistaken for malachite at first glance.

Deposits are found in Brazil, India, Austria, Russia and Tanzania. The majority of green and blue-green aventurine originates in India, Creamy white, gray and orange material is found in Chile, Spain and Russia.  Strawberry Aventurine is reddish brown and mined in Brazil. Main markets for aventurine are landscape stone, building stone, aquaria, monuments, and jewelry.  Some material is carved into beads and figurines with only the finer examples fashioned into cabochons, later being set into jewelry.

The mineral facilitates balancing and alignment of the intellectual, emotional physical and auric bodies such that the optimal structure and action are both inherent in ones being.  Aventurine provides for balancing of the male and female energies, enhancing ones creativity while supplementing motivation in activities and augmenting the pioneering spirit.  It also reinforces ones decisiveness, amplifies ones leadership qualities, and has been a willing participant in instinctive as well as intuitive action.