mineral

Raw smoky quartz (probable)

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), with irradiation-related smoky coloration

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark brown to nearly black, transparent to translucent with a vitreous luster and conchoidal fracture; hardness 7 Mohs, hexagonal crystal structure, no cleavage, specific gravity about 2.65. The irregular glossy surfaces may indicate fractured or partially etched crystals.

Identified September 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in silica-rich hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and cavities in igneous rocks; smoky color develops from natural radiation acting on aluminum impurities, commonly over geologic timescales. Exact locality and age cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used as a lapidary and jewelry stone, ornamental specimen, and collector mineral; quartz also has major industrial uses in glass, electronics, and abrasives.

Geological facts

The specimen could also be dark morion quartz or, less likely, another black mineral; photography alone cannot confirm identification. A glassy luster, hardness, and quartz-like fracture are useful distinguishing features.

Field identification & locations

Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, Switzerland, the United States, and Scotland. Test cautiously for hardness against steel or glass; avoid destructive testing on valuable specimens.