One of the most elegant and striking gemstones offered in the gem market is black aventurine, a variety of quartz and silica that presents the strange phenomenon of aventurescence, interesting no? Learn here the properties, meaning and uses of this stone.
What is black aventurine?
Black aventurine is considered a mineral that belongs to the silicate group, being a variety of quartz, in addition, it is a highly valued variety of aventurine stones. It is characterized because it presents a very striking and shiny shine in a phenomenon called aventurescence. This phenomenon makes the stone appear to have shiny black frost that reflects light at different angles.
Why is it black?
As we have seen in other articles about the varieties of aventurine stone, the color is due to inclusions of microcrystals of other minerals. In the case of black aventurine, it is due to inclusions of ilmenite, a titanium mineral.
However, keep in mind that the color is not distributed evenly but rather as small dots or frosts.
Properties and characteristics of black aventurine
The black aventurine stone it is a silicate and therefore consists of almost 100% silica plus titanium impurities due to the ilmenite content. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is slightly variable between 6.5 to 7 because it is not pure silica.
Its most important characteristic is its aventurescence, this causes the light to reflect between the ilmenite crystals, giving it a very striking appearance.
| black aventurine | Physical and chemical properties |
|---|---|
| chemical classification | Silicate – SiO2 |
| Color | Black, grey, dark silver |
| Stripe | Colorless (harder than streak plate). |
| Gloss | Vitreous, adventurous. |
| diaphanousness | Translucent to nearly opaque. |
| cleavage | None, conchoidal fracture |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5 to 7 (Lower apparent hardness is observed if mica inclusions are abundant.) |
| specific gravity | 2.6 to 2.7 (may be higher if heavily included) |
| diagnostic properties | Venturescence, often green, hardness, conchoidal fracture. Microscopic examination with dark-field illumination will show small color-causing inclusions. |
| Chemical composition | SiO2 |
| crystalline system | hexagonal |
| Applications | Precious stones, small sculptures, utility items, ornamental stone. |
Meaning and esoteric properties of black aventurine
The black aventurine stone is well known because it symbolizes protection, detoxification of the mind and spirit, and because it is also related to knowledge. However, keep in mind that in many cultures this gem is used to protect against very negative energies, even the ancient shamans and healers had this gem as their main talisman.
Today this gem is a symbol of e elegance, sophistication, power and prestige. In addition, it is believed that the gem gives the person seriousness, authority and formality.
Black Aventurine Stone Uses
As a gemstone in jewelry
The beauty and ease of carving that this gem has make it very suitable for use in jewelry and handmade costume jewellery. Accessories are made like necklaces, pendants, rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, etc, that give elegance to its user.
As an ornamental and collection stone
If it appears in large quantities with this stone, it can create sculptures, bowls and containers such as jugs. This is thanks to the fact that they can be easily carved and given very striking shapes.
The sculptures that are made with these stones are used to decorate spaces in homes and personal museums. Also, gemstone collectors always want to have this gem in their collection.