mineral

Raw smoky quartz with dark mineral inclusions

Quartz (SiO₂), likely smoky quartz; dark inclusions may be chlorite, tourmaline, or iron/manganese oxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; translucent gray-brown to nearly black, with vitreous luster and irregular/conchoidal fracture. Quartz is trigonal and lacks cleavage; the specimen appears partly weathered and coated with fine matrix.

Identified August 9, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Raw smoky quartz with dark mineral inclusions
Scientific name: Quartz (SiO₂), likely smoky quartz; dark inclusions may be chlorite, tourmaline, or iron/manganese oxides
Category: mineral
Identified: August 9, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $5–$25 for a small common rough piece; $30–$150 or more for well-formed, transparent crystals with distinctive inclusions.

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

Smoky quartz forms in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and cavities of granitic rocks when natural irradiation colors clear quartz. It commonly formed during late Paleozoic–Mesozoic granitic activity, though age depends on locality.

Uses & applications

Used as a collector mineral and occasionally cut for cabochons or faceted gems; attractive crystal specimens can have modest jewelry value.

Geological facts

The smoky color results from irradiation-related defects associated with trace aluminum in the quartz lattice. Exact identification of the dark inclusion requires a close examination or testing.

Field identification & locations

Look for glassy luster, conchoidal fracture, translucency, and quartz-like hardness that scratches ordinary glass. Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, Switzerland, the United States, and Russia.