mineral
Smoky Quartz with Rutile Inclusions
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with TiO2 needles
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, brown to grey translucent color with golden needle-like rutile inclusions, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, brown to grey translucent color with golden needle-like rutile inclusions, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites through the cooling of silica-rich solutions exposed to natural radiation which causes the smoky coloration.
Uses & applications
Used in jewelry, tumbling, metaphysical practices, and mineral collecting.
Geological facts
Smoky quartz is the national gemstone of Scotland and has been used historically for ornaments and weaponry handles.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its characteristic smoky brown coloration combined with golden rutile inclusions; found worldwide including in Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States.
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