mineral

Smoky quartz cluster with black tourmaline

Quartz (SiO₂), likely with schorl tourmaline (NaFe₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Quartz is Mohs 7, translucent gray-brown to smoky black, with vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal structure, and indistinct cleavage; tourmaline is commonly black, prismatic, and Mohs 7–7.5. The specimen shows large smoky quartz crystals with a dark, blocky/prismatic associated crystal, likely schorl.

Identified September 13, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Smoky quartz cluster with black tourmaline
Scientific name: Quartz (SiO₂), likely with schorl tourmaline (NaFe₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄)
Category: mineral
Identified: September 13, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $20–$150 for a common hand specimen; $200–$1,000+ for large, well-formed, transparent crystals with an attractive, documented locality.

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

Typically forms in granite-related hydrothermal veins and pegmatites as silica-rich fluids cool in fractures, commonly during the Paleozoic to Mesozoic or younger. Smoky coloration results from radiation-induced color centers in quartz.

Uses & applications

Used mainly as a mineral specimen; clear smoky quartz may be faceted for jewelry, while tourmaline is also a gemstone. Collector value comes from crystal size, transparency, contrast, and locality.

Geological facts

Quartz can become electrically polarized when heated or compressed (pyroelectric and piezoelectric). Natural smoky quartz may fade with heating or prolonged strong light.

Field identification & locations

Identify by glassy luster, conchoidal fracture, hexagonal quartz faces, and hardness sufficient to scratch glass; black tourmaline is usually striated and lacks quartz’s smooth crystal geometry. Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United States.