mineral

Smoky quartz with iron staining (uncertain, possibly quartz-rich vein rock)

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), likely including smoky quartz; minor iron-oxide inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Gray-brown to smoky translucent mass with vitreous-to-dull luster and irregular fracture; quartz hardness is 7 Mohs, lacks cleavage, and has a specific gravity near 2.65. The specimen appears heavily fractured and partially weathered, with rusty brown staining.

Identified August 16, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Smoky quartz with iron staining (uncertain, possibly quartz-rich vein rock)
Scientific name: Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), likely including smoky quartz; minor iron-oxide inclusions
Category: mineral
Identified: August 16, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 as a common rough specimen; $30–$150+ if unusually transparent, well-crystallized, or from a 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

Likely formed when silica-rich hydrothermal fluids deposited quartz in a rock fracture, with natural radiation or defects producing smoky coloration and later oxidation creating the iron staining. Precise age and locality cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Quartz is used in glass, ceramics, electronics, abrasives, and decorative stone; attractive smoky quartz is cut or polished for jewelry and mineral collections.

Geological facts

Smoky quartz color ranges from pale gray to nearly black and may fade with strong heat or sunlight. The dark material could also include other minerals, so confirmation requires testing.

Field identification & locations

Commonly found in granitic pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and alpine fissures worldwide. Check for glass-scratching hardness, lack of cleavage, and a white streak; a gemological or petrographic test would refine identification.