Week 2- A = Aventurine

While reading through last weeks wonderful blogs I was also trying to decide what to blog about this week & suddenly the word was all full life in my brain -> Aventurine.

I have always been drawn to crystals & most any sparkly things but Aventurine is one of my favorites but I was never sure why until I started reading about it some more. I found out that it is the star sign for Libra, which now partly explains why Im drawn to it, I'm a Libra. It is also said to be the Planetary stone of Taurus.

Aventurine is a translucent to opaque variety of micro-crystalline quartz. It contains small shiny minerals which give the stone a sparkly effect known as aventurescence. Inclusions of mica will give a silverish sheen, while inclusions of hematite give a reddish or grayish sparkle.This crystal has been found in India, Chile, Spain, Russia, Brazil, Austria, and Tanzania. It is a 6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Many have often mistaken this mineral for amazonite or jade.

There are different colors of Aventurine from green, peach, brown, blue and a creamy green. Besides its uses in jewelry, it has been used for ornamental purposes like vases, bowls, and figurines.

Aventurine has been used as a lucky talisman & is also said to be a popular stone for gamblers.

Green Aventurine is the stone of luck and chance. It is said to increase perception and creative insight. It is a heart chakra stone.

Blue Aventurine is an Aries stone that opens the third eye chakra. It is a powerful mental healer that increases vitality and a positive outlook. This stone assists in self-discipline and developing inner strength.

Yellow Aventurine opens the third eye chakra. It is often used to balance emotions and male/female energies.

Red Aventurine opens the root chakra. It can assist in creativity, and help you to see the possibilities in new opportunities.

I carry a small piece of aventurine with me most of the time & I also use it in conjunction with Reiki sessions because legends have said that it is an all-purpose healer. It is used to reduce stress, develop confidence, imagination and improve prosperity.

A legend from ancient Tibet says that aventurine was used to improve nearsightedness and to increase the wearer's creativity.

Many believe that aventurine has the capacity to calm a troubled spirit and bring about inner peace, therefor many say this is a great stone for teenagers.