mineral
Likely rough smoky quartz
Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectSmall translucent gray-brown crystal with a vitreous luster; quartz has Mohs hardness 7, a hexagonal crystal structure, no cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. The photo is not sharp enough to confirm the identification.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Likely rough smoky quartz in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Small translucent gray-brown crystal with a vitreous luster; quartz has Mohs hardness 7, a hexagonal crystal structure, no cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. The photo is not sharp enough to confirm the identification.
Formation & geological history
Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich fluids in veins and cavities, or from cooling magma; its age depends on the host deposit and cannot be determined from the image.
Uses & applications
Quartz is used in jewelry and collecting; industrial varieties are used in glassmaking, abrasives, and electronics.
Geological facts
Smoky coloration in quartz commonly results from irradiation acting on trace aluminum impurities.
Field identification & locations
Look for glassy luster, hardness sufficient to scratch glass, and lack of cleavage; similar-looking gray minerals may require testing. Quartz occurs worldwide, especially in veins and pegmatites.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous