When it comes to the most interesting and eye-catching gemstones, the ted Aventurine always stands out thanks to its beauty and optical properties. In this article, you will learn about the properties, characteristics, meaning and uses of the gem.
What is Red Aventurine?
Red aventurine is considered as a mineral belonging to the silicates, specifically to the tectosilicates. In addition, it belongs to the group of aventurine stones and is a rare variety of quartz.
However, some geologists have discovered red aventurine stones related to quartzites that are considered metamorphic rocks. Therefore, they are part of this whole extensive group of minerals and rocks.
It is characterized by bright inclusions of hematite that give the gem a shimmering frost-like appearance.
What makes this gem special?
The special thing about this stone consists in its optical property related to the adventures, which basically consists of the fact that when light enters the stone, it is reflected as if it had points of red frost inside.
Why is it red?
THE red color of red aventurine stone is due to small sheets or microcrystals ofhematiteand native copper that have been trapped in the gem. Hematite is an iron oxide that, when affected by the hydrothermal fluids that acted in the formation of red aventurine, oxidized, and took on that red color.
Let’s remember the reddish tones are not in the whole gem, but rather they show up as frost when exposed to light.
Properties and characteristics of red aventurine
It is a stone that is composed almost 100% by silica plus iron impurities, therefore its chemical formula is SiO2 + oxides + copper. Due to the hematite sheets it can have weakness on its faces, however, its fracture is generally conchoidal.
Hardness and resistance
This stone, despite being from the quartz family, has a slightly lower hardness, it has a hardness on the Mohs scale of 6 to 6.5, due to the inclusions of hematite within the gem.
Table of physical and chemical properties of identification
| red aventurine | Physical and chemical properties |
|---|---|
| Chemical classification | Silicate – SiO2 |
| Color | Usually green. Also orange, yellow, red, pink, violet, white, brown and blue. |
| 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 red aventurine
Because the red aventurine stone It is derived from quartz, it is believed to have excellent protective properties against bad energy in the environment and also energy properties that balance life, providing happiness and abundance.
This gem is believed to help fight feelings of frivolity and boost enthusiasm and vitality.
It is said that this stone has an excellent connection with labradorite, which together will enhance creativity and the fulfillment of our goals.
Finally, it is thought that it also has a connection with feelings, it is said to be a stone closely related to love and self-esteem.
Red Aventurine Stone Uses
As a gemstone in jewelry
This is a very famous gem used in the artisan jewelry and costume jewelery sector, it is relatively easy to cut and its visual appearance is very striking, because it appears that it has red frost inside the stone that shines when exposed to light..
Let us remember that these “luminous frosts” are produced by the hematite and copper that has been locked inside the gem and that reflect light between themselves.
With these stones beautiful accessories are created such as rings, bracelets, chains, necklaces, pendants, earrings, etc.
As a collection and ornamental stone
Its striking and luminous appearance makes it a very attractive gem for mineral and stone collectors. Also, it is used as ornamental stone to decorate spaces in homes and museums.
Depending on the quantity available, you can even create bowls, containers, vases and small sculptures.