mineral
Smoky Quartz with Hematite inclusions
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Fe2O3 inclusions
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Brownish-gray, smoky, with reddish-brown splotches. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal Structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal. Specific Gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Brownish-gray, smoky, with reddish-brown splotches
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Brownish-gray, smoky, with reddish-brown splotches. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal Structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal. Specific Gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous or metamorphic environments, primarily in pegmatites through the natural irradiation of aluminum-bearing quartz, while hematite inclusions occurred during late-stage hydrothermal deposition.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in lapidary arts, jewelry, and as a collector's specimen. In industry, high-purity quartz is used in electronics and glass manufacturing.
Geological facts
The 'smoky' color comes from exposure to natural radioactive sources in the surrounding rock, which causes color centers to form around aluminum impurities within the crystal lattice.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of distinct cleavage, and characteristic brownish-translucent color. Red spots indicate iron oxide (hematite) inclusions within the host quartz.
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