Aventurine Necklace

Aventurine is a member of the quartz family. It is semi-translucent to opaque and its mineral inclusions give it a glistening shimmer, called “aventurescence”. Aventurine most commonly comes in a green color but can also be blue, gray, brown, orange and yellow. Unlike many other gemstones, aventurine is not a mineral, but a rock with a hardness of 6.5 to 7.0 on the Mohs scale.

Aventurine is a very eclectic stone and is used in a number of applications besides that of jewelry. One can find aventurine in aquaria, stone buildings, landscape stones, bowls, vases, figurines and monuments. The name “Aventurine” comes from the Italian phrase “per aventura,” which means “by chance”. Aventurine and quartz was actually used by primitive man to fashion tools and stone axes. Today aventurine is mined in Spain, Russia, Austria, Chile, Tanzia and India. Many people mistake aventurine gemstones for jade or amazonite.

Also known as the “stone of heaven” or “Indian jade,” aventurine is a good luck stone often carried by gamblers. Many gamblers place aventurine gemstones in charm bags and bring them good luck and money. Ancient peoples believed aventurine to be an all-purpose healer that could reduce stress and bring about inner peace. Many people today wear aventurine jewelry not only for its attractiveness, but for its ability to draw good fortune and heal its wearer.

Green aventurine is usually given on the 8th year of marriage. It is the birthstone for August and is often referred to as the “stone of opportunity”. Legend claims that aventurine can also help heal nearsightedness. Whether you wear aventurine jewelry for its luck and healing benefits, or for its aesthetic value, you will probably feel better and more confident with the gemstone by your side.