Francesca DeCaire

The aventurine speckles are sparkly like glitter, I can’t seem to capture it in a photo.

Quantity:
• 4 beads
Color:
• Moretti Grass Green base with Green Aventurine frit
Approximate dimensions:
• (2 beads)15mm × 15mm, 8mm thick, tapers to edge
• (2 beads)18mm × 18mm, 8mm thick, tapers to edge
• 2.5mm holes
For sale via Etsy.

The name aventurine derives from the Italian “a ventura” meaning “by chance”. This is an allusion to the lucky discovery of aventurine glass or goldstone at some point in the 18th century. Although it was known first, goldstone is now a common imitation of aventurine and sunstone. Goldstone is distinguished visually from the latter two minerals by its coarse flecks of copper, dispersed within the glass in an unnaturally uniform manner. It is usually a golden brown, but may also be found in blue or green.

The majority of green and blue-green aventurine originates in India (particularly in the vicinity of Mysore and Madras) where it is employed by prolific artisans. Creamy white, gray and orange material is found in Chile, Spain and Russia. Most material is carved into beads and figurines with only the finer examples fashioned into cabochons, later being set into jewellery.

Main markets for aventurine are landscape stone, building stone, aquaria, monuments, and jewellery.