mineral
Smoky quartz
Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂), likely a rough smoky-quartz fragment
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness 7; translucent gray-brown to pale smoky color, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal structure, and no cleavage; typically breaks with conchoidal fracture. The image shows a rough, partly translucent fragment, though color alone is not diagnostic.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness 7; translucent gray-brown to pale smoky color, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal structure, and no cleavage; typically breaks with conchoidal fracture. The image shows a rough, partly translucent fragment, though color alone is not diagnostic.
Formation & geological history
Forms in silica-rich veins and cavities, commonly in granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal environments; its smoky color develops from irradiation affecting trace aluminum in the crystal. Quartz occurs in rocks of many geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used in jewelry and ornamental carvings; quartz is also important in glassmaking, electronics, and industrial applications.
Geological facts
Quartz is among Earth’s most abundant minerals; smoky coloration can range from nearly clear to very dark brown.
Field identification & locations
Look for glassy luster, hardness sufficient to scratch ordinary glass, and lack of cleavage. Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, the Alps, and the western United States.
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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