mineral

Smoky quartz (likely rough quartz)

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), commonly smoky variety colored by irradiation-related defects

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; translucent brown to smoky-gray color, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and trigonal crystal structure. The specimen appears massive or broken rather than showing clear crystal faces; cleavage is absent.

Identified September 15, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Smoky quartz (likely rough quartz)
Scientific name: Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), commonly smoky variety colored by irradiation-related defects
Category: mineral
Identified: September 15, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $5–$30 for a common rough hand specimen; higher prices require verified locality, exceptional transparency, or crystal form.

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 igneous cavities; smoky coloration develops from natural irradiation affecting trace aluminum. Individual specimens may range from Precambrian to recent geological settings.

Uses & applications

Used for mineral collecting, carvings, ornaments, and occasionally jewelry; industrial quartz is important in glass, electronics, and engineered stone. This rough piece has modest decorative value.

Geological facts

The image may also represent dark brown chalcedony or weathered quartz, since diagnostic crystal faces are not visible. A glassy luster and conchoidal fracture support quartz identification.

Field identification & locations

Common in granite pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and alpine cavities worldwide, including Brazil, Madagascar, Switzerland, and the United States. Confirm with a scratch test: it should scratch ordinary glass but not be scratched by a steel knife.