THE MATERIAL LIBRARY
Aventurine
Usually quartz containing reflective mineral inclusions.
Colors & patterns
Commonly green, with subtle glitter; orange, brown and other varieties occur.
Typical origins
India is an important source; material is also found in Brazil and other countries.
Hardness
About 6.5–7
Choosing & setting this material
The sparkling effect is called aventurescence. This is different from man-made goldstone glass; check the seller's material identification.
Care & cleaning
Clean gently with lukewarm water, a little mild soap and a soft cloth, then dry. Avoid steam, ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes, especially when treatments are unknown.
Origins above describe typical sources of the material, not the origin of an illustrated or stocked stone. Hardness measures scratch resistance, not resistance to breaking. Confirm the identity and treatments of the actual piece.
Further reading: Material reference · GIA: gem treatments