AVENTURINE

Aventurine is a variety of quartz and chalcedony that contains small platy flakes of mica or muscovite, and also hematite, which give it a glistening effect to complement its natural translucency; occasionally, the glistening effect is referred to as aventurescence. Aventurine is found in three primary colors: green, colored by chrome bearing fuchsite, a variety of the mineral mica; red-brown, colored by pyrite or goethite; and blue, colored by rutile or crocidolite. Its mineral composition varies, making it a rock. It has a Mohs hardness of 6-6.5, making it somewhat softer than a single crystal of quartz. The name aventurine derives from the Italian term "a ventura" meaning "by chance." This is in reference to the chance 18th century discovery of aventurine glass, also called goldstone. It is said that the original namesake glass was accidentally made in a Murano, Italy, when a production house worker unwittingly dropped some copper filings into the molten "metal", and the result was a flashy, green colored glass, which was then called ‘avventurino’. From the Murano glass company mishap, the name then passed to the mineral, which displayed similar characteristics and appearances. Although it was first known by the accidental discovery in Italy, the artificial variety called goldstone is now a common imitation of aventurine and sunstone. Goldstone is distinguished in physical appearance from sunstone and aventurine by its coarse specks or flakes of copper, dispersed within the glass in abundance, and in an unnaturally uniform pattern. It is typically a golden brown or red, but may also be found in blue or green. Aventurine is often used in lapidary artistry, where it is cut and polished as a bead. The finest quality material is crafted into gemstones and cabochons.

AVENTURINE METAPHYSICS

Metaphysically, aventurine is said to aid with the free flowing and passion driven energies of the Heart Chakra. A stone of emotional balance and well-being, it is said that aventurine helps to guide its user towards personal fulfillment and purpose. It helps to calm the mind and find positives in the growth periods of life. It can help to facilitate new and open doors by creating forward thinking habits, while allowing for productive and prosperous endeavors to come to fruition. Physically, aventurine is said to aid the body with adrenal fatigue, healthy blood and cell regeneration, antibody response, as well as muscular response. It is said to aid the heart with stress related enervation, allowing for more energy production, contributing to lessened feelings of mid-day exhaustion.