mineral
Carved smoky quartz (likely)
Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), smoky variety
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectDark brown-black, translucent to opaque, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, no obvious cleavage, Mohs hardness 7, specific gravity about 2.65. The specimen is a polished/carved animal-shaped piece, so surface form is artificial rather than crystal growth.
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Physical properties
Dark brown-black, translucent to opaque, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, no obvious cleavage, Mohs hardness 7, specific gravity about 2.65. The specimen is a polished/carved animal-shaped piece, so surface form is artificial rather than crystal growth.
Formation & geological history
Smoky quartz forms in silica-rich hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and granitic cavities; its color results from irradiation affecting trace aluminum impurities. Natural material commonly ranges from Precambrian to recent geologic settings.
Uses & applications
Used as an ornamental carving, lapidary material, jewelry, and collector specimen; it has little industrial value in this carved form.
Geological facts
The image most strongly suggests carved smoky quartz, though dark obsidian or tourmaline cannot be ruled out visually. Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is the defining component of granite, sandstone, and many veins.
Field identification & locations
Look for glassy luster, hardness sufficient to scratch ordinary glass, and conchoidal fractures; quartz usually does not show the rounded bubbles typical of glass. Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, the Swiss Alps, and the United States.
