Here we highlight the differences between - and similarities  of - Jade and Aventurine.

Aventurine and jade are two green colored gemstones that may confuse some people. Aventurine is a variety of quartz which contains small Mica, Hematite or Goethite. Jade is the gemstone name given for two different minerals Nephrite and Jadeite. This is the key difference between Aventurine and Jade.

What is Aventurine?

Aventurine is a form of Quartz / Chalcedony, which contains small included flakes or scales that give it a shiny effect. Aventurines are usually green in color, but, they can also be found in colors like gray, blue, orange, yellow and brown. The green colored aventurines get their color from Fuschite, a chromium-rich variety of Mucovite. This green can range from a light green to a dark green. The brown and orange colors are attributed to hematite or goethite. This stone, which closely resembles jade in appearance and metaphysical benefits, is also known as “Indian jade” due to its origination from Karnataka, India.

The shimmering or glittering effect of Aventurine is known as aventurescence. The intensity of this effect depends on the size and density of the inclusions. These inclusions are often Muscovite mica, Hematite or Goethite. This can be seen when you hold a piece of aventurine to a very bright light source.

Aventurine is used as a minor stone for jewelry. They are fashioned into cabochons or beads and used for necklaces and bracelets. Aventurines are commonly found in India, Brazil, Austria, Russia and Tanzania.

Aventurine is less rare and less expensive than jade while still maintaining many similarities to the precious gem, particularly in its vitality-enhancing properties. Its green hue signals that aventurine aligns with the energy center of the heart, which is most responsible for attracting luck, money, health, and abundance. These benefits are also attributed to jade, emerald, and other green stones.

What is Jade?

Jade is an ornamental stone. This stone is usually green in color; the color can vary from light green to dark green. Deeper green colors are valuable. Jade is the gemstone name given for two different mineral forms, Nephrite and Jadeite. Since both these minerals have similar appearance and properties, no distinction was made between the two different types of Jade until modern times.

Nephrite is generally green, cream or white in color. It is composed of millions of interlocking crystals of several different minerals, usually actinolite/tremolite/epidote. It is softer and more prone to scratches than Jadeite. Nephrite is also the more common of the two. Nephrite jade comes from China, Brazil, Russia, and the United States.

Jadeite is the rarer of the two and comes from Burma, Tibet, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Guatemala. Jadeite is not as dense as Nephrite and is more prone to chipping. Jadeite is composed of millions of interlocking crystals of a single mineral, jadeite.

Jade has been an important gemstone in the past, especially in the Chinese culture. Jade is often used in jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings. It is also used in ornamental figurines, especially Buddha statues, and animals.

Similarities between jade and aventurine include:

- Both are considered very lucky! Aventurine in particular is known as the “stone of opportunity.”

- Both are known to heal the heart and cleanse your heart space of negative energy while supporting circulatory health.

- Both support abundance. Jade and aventurine are very useful in attracting opportunities to manifest wealth and sense of security.

- Both increase confidence and energy by stimulating compassion toward yourself and others.

In the picture here, only the stone on the very left is Jade, and the black inclusions mark it as Nephrite Jade. The others are all Aventurine.

If you would like to see the aventuresence effect, come into the Emporium of the Enchanted Forest; we'll be happy to demonstrate.

Aventurine vs. Jade