mineral
Quartz crystal pendant (likely smoky quartz or iron-stained quartz)
Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 7 Mohs; translucent gray-brown to smoky color, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal structure, and indistinct cleavage with conchoidal fracture. The pointed, faceted appearance is consistent with a natural or lightly shaped quartz crystal.
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Physical properties
Hardness 7 Mohs; translucent gray-brown to smoky color, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal structure, and indistinct cleavage with conchoidal fracture. The pointed, faceted appearance is consistent with a natural or lightly shaped quartz crystal.
Formation & geological history
Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or cooling igneous melts, commonly in veins and cavities; individual crystals may range from ancient Precambrian to geologically recent. The metal-wrapped specimen is human-processed as jewelry.
Uses & applications
Used as a gemstone, pendant, and collector specimen; quartz is also important industrially in glass, electronics, abrasives, and engineered stone.
Geological facts
Smoky coloration generally results from radiation-induced defects associated with trace aluminum; brown or yellow tones may instead reflect iron staining. Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals.
Field identification & locations
Common in Brazil, Madagascar, the United States, Switzerland, and worldwide. Identify by its glassy luster, pointed six-sided termination, hardness, and lack of obvious cleavage; exact variety requires testing or close examination.
