mineral

Raw smoky quartz (likely iron-stained quartz)

Quartz, SiO₂; brown coloration may reflect irradiation-related smoky quartz and iron-oxide inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Translucent dark brown to smoky gray, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, no obvious cleavage, Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal structure, specific gravity about 2.65. The irregular shape suggests a naturally fractured or partially worked fragment.

Identified September 15, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Raw smoky quartz (likely iron-stained quartz)
Scientific name: Quartz, SiO₂; brown coloration may reflect irradiation-related smoky quartz and iron-oxide inclusions
Category: mineral
Identified: September 15, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $2–$20 for a common rough fragment; $20–$100+ if unusually transparent, attractive, or locality-labeled.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids, pegmatites, and cavities in igneous or metamorphic rocks; smoky coloration commonly develops from natural radiation acting on aluminum impurities. Exact geological age and locality cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative and lapidary material, gemstone, ornamental carving stone, and mineral specimen; quartz is also important industrially in glass, electronics, and abrasives.

Geological facts

Quartz commonly shows conchoidal fracture and can scratch ordinary glass. The brown appearance may also indicate quartz-rich chalcedony or iron-stained material rather than true smoky quartz.

Field identification & locations

Look for glassy luster, hardness near 7, translucent edges, and conchoidal fracture; a steel knife should not scratch it. Common worldwide, especially in Brazil, Madagascar, the Alps, the United States, and hydrothermal veins.