Rock Identifier
Smoky quartz ring (Smoky quartz, SiO₂, set in a metal ring; the photo alone cannot confirm whether the stone is natural or treated.) — gemstone
gemstone

Smoky quartz ring

Smoky quartz, SiO₂, set in a metal ring; the photo alone cannot confirm whether the stone is natural or treated.

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically brown to gray-brown, transparent, vitreous, and trigonal; Mohs hardness 7, with no cleavage and conchoidal fracture. The pictured stone is faceted and mounted in a decorative setting.

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Physical properties

Typically brown to gray-brown, transparent, vitreous, and trigonal; Mohs hardness 7, with no cleavage and conchoidal fracture. The pictured stone is faceted and mounted in a decorative setting.

Formation & geological history

Quartz forms in silica-rich igneous and hydrothermal environments; smoky coloration commonly results from natural irradiation affecting trace aluminum in the crystal. Quartz deposits span many geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry and ornamental objects; quartz is also widely used in glassmaking and electronics.

Geological facts

Smoky quartz’s color can range from pale gray-brown to nearly black, and some commercial stones are irradiated to deepen or produce the color.

Field identification & locations

Look for glassy luster, hardness near 7, and lack of cleavage; common sources include Brazil, Scotland, Switzerland, and the United States. Gem testing is needed to distinguish natural smoky quartz from treated quartz or other look-alikes.