mineral
Smoky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Gray, brown, to nearly black; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- Gray, brown, to nearly black
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Gray, brown, to nearly black; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks, particularly granite pegmatites and hydrothermal veins. The smoky color is caused by natural gamma irradiation of trace aluminum inclusions over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used in gemstone jewelry, ornamental carvings, and electronics as a source of high-purity silica. It is a popular mineral specimen for collectors and metaphysical enthusiasts.
Geological facts
Deeply dark, nearly opaque smoky quartz is known as Morion. It has been used historically for sunglasses in 12th century China and as a mourning gemstone in Victorian England.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its dark translucent color, lack of cleavage, and ability to scratch glass. Commonly found in mountainous regions such as the Swiss Alps, Scotland (Cairngorms), and Colorado.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous