What is Aventurine, its Symbolism and Meaning?

Aventurine contains particles of mica and hematite from quartz stone. When light enters the quartz striking these inclusions, the particles of chrome in the quartz reflects a glittery color that sparkles under the light. This sparkly phenomenon is also known as "aventurescence." Fuchsite is most common inclusion in aventurine, a green chromium-rich mica. Although green is the typical color for aventurine, other forms might contain a wide variety of mineral particles. These inclusions lead to a range of different colors such as greenish brown, blue, silver/white, peach, yellow and red to reddish brown.

The Name

Aventurine derived from the Italian's word "Aventura" which means "by chance. A Venetian glassmaker accidentally invented the aventurine glass by spilling copper filings into molten glass. He named his invention Aventurine. In the beginning, Aventurine is known as a human-made glass with reflective Copper inclusions. Most likely, this is the first time a human-made material is identified and given a name before it is used to describe a natural stone scientifically. This human-made Aventurine is now sold today under the name of Goldstone.

Where it is found

Green and blue Aventurines are found worldwide, but most are found in the United States, China, Russia, India, Brazil, Japan, Spain, Tanzania, Scotland, and Austria. Gray, Orange, White and peach colored are mainly mined from Chile and Spain. The rarest of them all, reddish brown to orangish yellow Aventurines have been found near Siberia in Russia. 

History, Legends, and Lores

The use of aventurine by humans beings started millions of years ago. Artifacts made with aventurine were found in the Omo Valley of Ethiopia are about 2.5 mullion years old.

Aventurine Feldspar was used for thousands of years in numerous cultures to honor the power of the Sun. In Ancient China, traditions consider Green Aventurine more worthy than the Nephrite Jade. It was said that the old imperial seal was made from an extremely beautiful emerald colored Aventurine.

In Ancient Amazonia, warriors mined for aventurine deep in the mines deposits of Brazil a long time ago using it for jewelry and talismans. Hence, it was known as the "stone of the Amazons." Early Tibetans would place Aventurines in the eyes of temple deities. The green gems are used to increase the visionary powers of monks who are working with the statues which the gods represented.

Green Aventurine honors Guan Yin or Kuan Yin, which translate to “She who harkens to the cries of the world.” She is known to the Chinese as the Goddess of Mercy, Compassion, and Unconditional Love. The protector of women, children and the unfortunate, she is the most loved of all the Chinese goddesses.

Spiritual Beliefs and Uses 

1) Luck & Prosperity

Aventurine, especially green ones is known to be the luckiest of all crystals, which makes it a favorite lucky talisman for gamblers. A must-have for inviting good luck and prosperity into your life.

2) Improves Creativity

Just like the ancient Tibetians, you can use Aventurine to spark your imagination, helping you see new creative solutions.

3) Healing Stone

Green Aventurine is an all-around healing stone. It benefits not only physical health but mentally too. It enhances willpower, reduces stress and keeps negative emotions under control. 

How do you wear Aventurine Jewelry

When you are just starting to be more interested in becoming more attuned to nature, the green aventurine is an excellent place to be. Its relation with nature, its color, aventurine is always connected to the elements of earth. If you like to be lucky in games, wear aventurine rings or bracelets. If you want to opens the Heart Chakra, allowing you to express heartfelt gratitude for your blessings and inner peace, get an aventurine pendant, or brooch, keep it close to your heart. If you want creativity and a focused mind, get the aventurine earrings.