RocksdayAventurine vs Chrysoprase
How to tell them apart
Quartz sparkling with tiny reflective mica flakes, most often green from chromium-rich fuchsite.
Photo: Doobuzz at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Apple-green chalcedony colored by nickel — the most valuable chalcedony variety.
Photo: Xth-Floor, CC BY-SA 3.0
Key differences
- Aventurine sparkles with mica flakes.
Side by side
| Property | Aventurine | Chrysoprase |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mineral | Mineral |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5–7 | 6.5–7 |
| Luster | Vitreous | Waxy |
| Streak | White | White |
| Colors | Green, Blue, Orange | Green |
| Crystal system | Granular quartz | Microcrystalline quartz (chalcedony) |
| Specific gravity | 2.64–2.69 | 2.58–2.64 |
| Formula | SiO₂ + mica inclusions | SiO₂ |
| Found in | India; Brazil | Queensland, Australia; Poland |
Properties that are the same for both are grayed out.
How to identify aventurine
- Even green body with a fine glittery sparkle.
- Granular, sugary texture in rough pieces.
- Hard — scratches glass.
Crystal system: Granular quartz
Full Aventurine guide →How to identify chrysoprase
- Bright apple to mint green, translucent.
- Even color with a waxy surface.
- Scratches glass.
Crystal system: Microcrystalline quartz (chalcedony)
Full Chrysoprase guide →More comparisons
Could you tell them apart from a blurry close-up?
Play today's Rocksday