Pros : At a much lower price point than dicro, you can get a very interesting effect over a large area without breaking the bank. Melds like a clear (seams disappear from above, though still visable from below) and I've never had ANY issue with annealing or haze even with multiple firings -- though the longer it's in the more the flecks will move as per my experience with pattern bars.
I do get movement from the flecks, so capping will give a GREAT depth effect, but just layering it with clear underneath and hitting a full fuse will help develop the sparkle effect.
Cons : WARNING: This color can affect others being fired. 2 separate pieces fired at different times, to different temps both near the Aventurine Green in their respective firings were effected in my experience thus far.
I ended up with metallic sheen on the purple sections of purple/white OpalArt being slumped. And purple enamel on white (but not on the black of the same piece) became an olive green on the end nearest the aventurine piece during a full fuse.
Also I sometimes try to use kiln paper for a second firing to save money, but the aventurine will discolor it yellow the first time.
Other Thoughts : The scraps make great globs, reminiscent of black opals, but in a single layer it doesn't flow well, and they will retain shape to a degree. Avent. globs are my absolute favorite for bubble control.
It is rough, and not as sparkly without being fired. So it's not as great for stained glass (the green will transmit light unlike the blue or black) as I'd like. But if you have the kiln room, put it in on a slump. The texture will still be slightly present but much easier to cut. Trying to put up a pic, if it goes, slump is the longer bar and the shorter is a full double layer.
