|
Aventurine is actually a form of quartz, and it is
fairly common throughout the continent of Elanith. It is a milky
green stone that may sparkle from its many inclusions when the light
strikes it properly. Its translucency varies from cloudy to fully
opaque. One of the best sources of
aventurine is the mines near Kragsfell in the Turamzzyrian Empire.
Aventurine receives little attention among elves
and dwarves, as it is dismissed by both as a lesser stone, but it is
beloved in the human barony of Highmount and in surrounding cities.
In Kragsfell, aventurine is cheap enough for even a peasant to own a
pendant, a ring, or a few beads made of the stone, and a piece of
aventurine jewelry is a traditional courting gift in that region.
Aventurine is only mildly useful in magical
endeavors. It can be used in various spells requiring stone
components, but it will enhance no particular type of spell more or
less than any other type.
Aventurine, "the adventurer's stone," is said to
promote creativity and strength of mind. A gift of aventurine wishes
prosperity and strength for the recipient. These customs are
generally not honored outside human peasantry, however, as most of
the nobility would scorn to wear a jewel so common.
In the human barony of Dragach, the locals say
that aventurine is special to Tonis because the young Arkati has
always had a love of adventure. Wayposts in Dragach are customarily
carved with the profile of a Pegasus in flight, and the Pegasus
normally bears a chip of aventurine for its eye. Hideous curses are
supposed to befall those who loot the wayposts for the gems.
One human legend speaks of an artifact made from
aventurine, the Bowl of Issunion. Supposedly, a forest spirit asked
the woodcutter Issunion to spare a certain grove of trees, and, when
Issunion agreed, the spirit led him into that grove and gave him a
bowl carved from solid aventurine. By filling the bowl with water,
speaking a name, and looking into the bowl, he could see the truth
of whether that person was alive or dead. He went on a number of odd
adventures seeking clues to the bowl's magical property, and he died
a very rich man with many healthy children.
From the French aventure, meaning "chance",
aventurine is usually assumed to be green if a color is not
associated with it. Aventurine has been confused with
amazonite and jade. Extremely high quality aventurine (without the inclusions), looks
like an emerald. Translucent aventurine often fades in the
sun.
There was a custom of assigning various masculine and feminine
saints with a particular gem for use in talismans. The name Andrew
(patron Saint Andrew) is associated with aventurine.
Aventurine is said to aid in the release of anxieties and fears, promoting emotional tranquility and positive attitudes towards life. It is also thought to enhance leadership qualities and reinforce decisiveness.
Aventurine
enhances
creativity, imagination, independence, prosperity, career success, calmness
and balance. It helps us see alternatives and potentials.
It is considered to be helpful in treating disorders of the heart,
lungs, and the muscular system. It has
also been useful in the treatment of eyesight and hair problems.
Aventurine is the anniversary gemstone for the 8th year of marriage. |
