This form of Cryptocrystaline Quartz contains inclusions of small crystals that reflect light and give a range of colors - depending on the nature of the inclusion. Hence aventurine may be green, greenish-brown, blueish-white, bluish green and orange. Aventurine has a hardness rating of 7.

Aventurine has been confused with amazonite and jade. Dark green Aventurine generally has inclusions (due to green fuchsite mica and perhaps a bit of pyrite) which creates a speckled appearance. This is an easy identifying factor often called aventurescence.

If a color is not stated with the word aventurine, it is usually assumed to be green.

Translucent Aventurine often fades in the sun.

Aventurine is found in Brazil, India, Japan, Russia, Tanzania, and USA.