Aventurescence
Aventurescence is an optical reflectance effect seen in certain gems. It creates a metallic glitter caused by tiny, platy mineral inclusions within the gemstone. These inclusions are so numerous that they can also influence the overall color of the stone.
Aventurescence arises from the presence of microscopic, plate-like inclusions within a gemstone. These inclusions, often composed of minerals like hematite, goethite, or mica, reflect light in a way that creates a spangled, shimmering effect. Imagine countless tiny mirrors scattered within the stone, each catching and reflecting light in different directions, resulting in the mesmerizing sparkle.
The aventurescent effect is a sparkling or glittering effect caused by the reflection of light from tiny disc-like inclusions, typically composed of mica, copper or hematite.
The word "aventurescence" comes from the Italian word "a ventura," which means "by chance." This refers to the chance discovery of aventurine glass in the 18th century. Aventurine glass is still manufactured today as an imitation of aventurine quartz and sunstone.
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| Gemstones with Aventurescence |
What causes aventurescence?
Aventurescence originates from a well-defined light scattering phenomenon caused by the interaction of light with microscopic platy inclusions within a gemstone. These inclusions, typically iron oxides like hematite or goethite, or certain micas, exhibit high refractive indices and platy morphology. When light enters the gemstone, it interacts with these inclusions. Due to their platy structure, the inclusions act as preferential scattering centers for the incident light.
Light rays encountering these inclusions are predominantly reflected rather than transmitted deeper into the gem. The random orientation of the platy inclusions throughout the gemstone disrupts the original direction of the reflected light, causing it to scatter in various directions. This multidirectional scattering of light is what we perceive as the glittering or shimmering effect that defines aventurescence.
The quality and intensity of the aventurescence depend on several factors, including the size, density, and distribution of the platy inclusions within the gemstone. Generally, a more uniform distribution of finer inclusions produces a more aesthetically pleasing aventurescent effect.
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| Aventurescence: Light-Reflecting Inclusions That Produce a Bright Flash. Sunstone from Oregon |
Aventurescence Examples
Several gemstones can exhibit aventurescence, but the most renowned are:
Aventurine Quartz
This quartz variety comes in various colors, from green to orange, and is the most common stone displaying aventurescence. Its shimmering flecks often resemble scattered gold dust, hence its nickname "goldstone quartz."
Aventurine quartz is the best-known of aventurescent gems (and the reason why the phenomenon was named aventurescence). Even so, aventurescence can actually occur in a variety of other gemstones too, including various feldspars such as sunstone and andesine-labradorite. A variety of obsidian known in the trade as 'gold-sheen obsidian' is also known to exhibit an extremely attractive aventurescence.
Sunstone
Sunstone: A feldspar gemstone, sunstone typically displays aventurescence in the form of shimmering orange or red flecks against a golden or pinkish background. These aventurescent areas are sometimes called "aventurine feldspar."
Labradorite
This feldspar boasts a mesmerizing play of color called labradorescence, Not technically aventurescence, but this feldspar displays a play of color due to similar light interaction with internal structures, creating a mesmerizing iridescence.
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| Oregon sunstone is unique for its copper content. |
Is aventurescence valuable?
Aventurescence can add value to a gemstone, particularly for varieties like aventurine quartz and sunstone. However, the overall value depends on factors like the intensity and beauty of the effect, the overall quality and color of the stone, and its cut.