mineral

Smoky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Translucent smoky brown to nearly black (morion); Luster: Vitreous; Crystal System: Trigonal (hexagonal prisms); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Translucent smoky brown to nearly black (morion)
Luster: Vitreous

Identified February 26, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks, specifically pegmatites and hydrothermal veins. The color is caused by natural radiation from surrounding rocks acting on trace amounts of aluminum within the crystal lattice.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in jewelry (faceted gemstones and beads), metaphysical practices, and as decorative collector specimens. Some industrial use in electronics, though synthetic quartz is now more common.

Geological facts

The darkest variety, which is almost opaque, is called 'Morion.' Smoky quartz is the national gem of Scotland, where it is known as 'Cairngorm' after the mountain range where it was historically mined.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct hexagonal crystal habit, lack of cleavage, and smoky translucency. Common locations include Brazil, Switzerland, Madagascar, and several US states like Colorado and New Hampshire.