Properties:
Green aventurine is balancing, supports the immune system, assists in general physical healing, and is the foremost green heart stone in use in crystal therapy. It is considered so harmonising that it is used in Shen Tao Feng Shui, specifically to restore harmony in the home when there has been conflict between the inhabitants. In my experience of using it for this purpose, the cause of the conflict often chooses to remove him- or herself from the situation almost immediately, although in some cases genuine harmony is restored without a major change of occupants. Green aventurine is said to enhance self-esteem. The included mica has a dampening effect on electromagnetic radiation, and it can be worn, or placed near computers. Aventurine often contains included pyrite, which aids protection and lifts the spirits. Michael Gienger recommends the green variety in the treatment of certain heart diseases and arteriosclerosis.
Attributes:
- Chemical Formula: SiO2 – silicon dioxide (quartz)
- Group: Silicates – tectosilicates
- Crystal System: Trigonal/hexagonal
- Hardness: 7
- Birthstone: Secondary birthstone for Aries and Libra
- Chakra: Heart and Upper Heart
- Element: Water/Wood
Mineralogy:
Aventurine is a variety of quartz. The name was originally a trade name, but is now widely accepted as the mineralogical name. It forms massively (with no distinct crystal faces), and is characterised by its spangled or glittery appearance, which is due to the inclusion of other minerals. It is most commonly dark opaque green, the colouration and sparkle due to included fuchsite (green mica), and it often has pyrite inclusion as well. Brown aventurine is coloured by pyrite, and red aventurine by hematite. It also occurs in yellow, orange and blue. It is generally sold as a tumbled or polished stone, or in jewellery. In the past, the name aventurine was also applied to certain varieties of feldspar, sunstone in particular.
History and Tradition:
The name comes from the Italian ventura, meaning “chance” – as in it was found by chance. There are no traditions associated with aventurine.
