mineral
Smoky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, brown to black translucent color, vitreous luster, and hexagonal crystal system.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, brown to black translucent color, vitreous luster, and hexagonal crystal system.
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks through natural irradiation of quartz containing trace aluminum impurities.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, ornamental carvings, and as a popular collector mineral specimen.
Geological facts
Its distinct smoky color is caused by gamma radiation acting on trace aluminum substitutes within the silicon dioxide lattice.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its conchoidal fracture, hard scratch resistance, and characteristic brown coloration; commonly sourced from Brazil, Colorado, and the Swiss Alps.
