The main sources of green aventurine are India, Russia, Brazil, Chile, Spain, and Tanzania. Of these, India is the historically most significant source. Green aventurine deposits were discovered in the 18th century in the region around Mysore, South India. For many years afterward, this was one of the few known sources of aventurine globally. The Indian aventurine ranges from a light to medium green and is highly transparent with a strong sparkling effect.
In the 19th century, major deposits of aventurine were found in the Ural Mountains region of Russia. The Ural Mountain aventurine is medium to dark green with heavier inclusion of mica particles. Because of the abundance and accessibility of the Russian aventurine, it became more commonly used in jewelry and ornamental objects throughout Europe. Russia remains one of the main sources of aventurine today.
Other significant deposits of green aventurine have been found in Minas Gerais, Brazil which produces stones that are light green due to a lower fuchsite content. Chile and Spain have also become exporters of green aventurine, mainly for consumption in the Chinese market. In Africa, northern Tanzania is now a producer of very fine quality green aventurine as well.
While India and Russia remain the traditional major sources, recently more green aventurine is being produced from other global sites. The United States has a few aventurine deposits that are occasionally mined in Virginia and Pennsylvania. Some fine material has also come from Turkey and Austria in smaller quantities. Supplies exported from the new sources in Africa, South America, and Europe are reducing the previous dominance of Indian and Russian aventurine.
Most aventurine mining is done through small operations since the gemstone occurs in low concentrations within larger rock formations. The raw material extracted from mines is in the form of blocks or chunks that have a dull brownish-green appearance. These then have to be expertly cut and polished to reveal the signature glistening interior of aventurine. The final stones are cut into beads, cabochons, tumbled stones, and other ornamental forms.
The global distribution of green aventurine sources means it is readily available for jewelry makers and collectors. While aventurine is not a particularly rare or valuable gemstone, the glittering green color and tough durability makes it popular for a wide range of decorative items. The long history of aventurine mining and working in India has created a thriving local industry for beads, figurines, vases, and more made from the semi-precious stone.
