mineral
Likely smoky quartz fragment
Quartz, SiO₂ (smoky variety)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectTranslucent smoky-brown fragment with a vitreous luster and irregular fracture; quartz has Mohs hardness 7, a trigonal crystal structure, and no cleavage. The image does not show enough detail for a confident identification.
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Physical properties
Translucent smoky-brown fragment with a vitreous luster and irregular fracture; quartz has Mohs hardness 7, a trigonal crystal structure, and no cleavage. The image does not show enough detail for a confident identification.
Formation & geological history
Smoky quartz typically crystallizes in silica-rich igneous or hydrothermal veins and pegmatites; its brown color develops from natural irradiation. Its age depends on the host deposit.
Uses & applications
Quartz is used in glass, electronics, and abrasives; attractive smoky quartz is cut for jewelry and collected as mineral specimens.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals; smoky coloration can range from pale gray-brown to nearly black.
Field identification & locations
Check for hardness near 7, glass-scratching ability, and lack of cleavage; common localities include Brazil, the Alps, and the western United States. The small, partly obscured piece could also be another brown translucent mineral.
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Epidote
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Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
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