Aventurine gemstone, the gemstone of Libra and Taurus, is a translucent to opaque variety of microcrystalline quartz. In addition to its translucent quality, it often contains certain mineral flecks that give it a shimmering or glistening effect known as aventurescence. Both the name aventurine and its associated aventurescence are derived from the Italian term “a ventura”, meaning “by chance”.
It is thought to be the luckiest of all crystals, especially in manifesting prosperity and wealth, or for increasing favor in competitions or games of chance. For this reason it is often used as a lucky charm or talisman and is a popular stone among gamblers.
The most common colour for aventurine is green, but colors can range from green to peach, brown, blue, yellow and gray, with red aventurine being considered quite rare.
In addition to its uses in jewelery, it is often used to decorate items such as vases, bowls and figurines. Ancient Tibetans would adorn statues with Aventurine, using it most often for the eyes to symbolically increase the statue’s visionary powers. It was also believed wearing aventurine would improve the wearer’s own nearsightedness and enhance his creativity. It was also used as an all-purpose healer to reduce stress and develop confidence and imagination.
Aventurine gemstone is said to help the wearer or carrier to distinguish the best of existing opportunities, both material and spiritual, in any given situation and allow the adherent to make decisions with a greater clarity of mind.
For Feng Shui practitioners, aventurine is said to draw upon wood energy – the energy of growth, expansion, new beginnings, nourishment and health. For this reason it is used to enhance vitality, attract abundance and promote physical growth. Green crystals are often used to enhance spaces dedicated to eating or are placed anywhere in the home where a new project is being undertaken.
Typically mined in India, Chile, Spain, Russia, Brazil, Austria and Tanzania, it is rated as a 6.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness and is often confused with amazonite or jade.
Leave a Reply