mineral
Likely rough smoky quartz
Quartz, SiO₂ (smoky variety)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectTranslucent brown to smoky gray with a glassy luster and irregular fracture; Mohs hardness 7, hexagonal crystal system, no cleavage, specific gravity about 2.65. The image is not detailed enough to confirm the identification.
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Physical properties
Translucent brown to smoky gray with a glassy luster and irregular fracture; Mohs hardness 7, hexagonal crystal system, no cleavage, specific gravity about 2.65. The image is not detailed enough to confirm the identification.
Formation & geological history
Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich fluids in veins and cavities, often in granites and pegmatites; smoky coloration commonly results from natural irradiation affecting trace aluminum. Its age depends on the host deposit.
Uses & applications
Used for jewelry, carvings, and mineral collecting; quartz is also important in glassmaking and electronics.
Geological facts
Quartz is among Earth’s most abundant minerals; smoky quartz’s color can fade with prolonged heating or intense light.
Field identification & locations
Look for hardness near 7, glassy luster, and conchoidal-to-irregular fracture; common sources include Brazil, the Alps, and the United States. Similar brown minerals can be difficult to distinguish from a photo.
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