Aventurine

The name of this mineral is said to be linked with an episode that happened in Murano at the beginning of the 18^th century. An Italian glassmaker discovered aventurine glass accidentally by dropping thin copper plates on melted glass. It created a glittery effect similar to sparkling which is called aventurescence.^[1]

Aventurine was one of the most valued gemstones among emperors in China and Russia. It was used to adorn everyday and decorative objects.^[1]

Basic properties

Composition	SiO₂
Class	Oxydes
Crystal system	Trigonal
Mohs' hardness	7
Fracture	Conchoidal
Cleavage	None
Lustre	Glassy
Streak	White
Localities	Brazil, India, Styria (Austria), Russia, Tanzania, USA, RSA

References

1 2 Minerały i kamienie szlachetne by RBA Collecionables, S.A., ISBN 978-83-7813-150-2, 2012.

[RBA-1] 1 2 Minerały i kamienie szlachetne by RBA Collecionables, S.A., ISBN 978-83-7813-150-2, 2012.

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