mineral
Smoky quartz
Quartz (SiO₂), smoky variety
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectLikely a rough, translucent brown-gray quartz fragment with a vitreous luster and conchoidal fracture; quartz has Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal structure, and no cleavage. The image alone cannot confirm the identification.
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Physical properties
Likely a rough, translucent brown-gray quartz fragment with a vitreous luster and conchoidal fracture; quartz has Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal structure, and no cleavage. The image alone cannot confirm the identification.
Formation & geological history
Forms in silica-rich veins, pegmatites, and cavities as silica-bearing fluids cool; its smoky color commonly results from natural irradiation affecting trace aluminum. Quartz occurs in rocks of many geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used in jewelry, carvings, and mineral collections; quartz is also an important industrial source of silica.
Geological facts
Smoky quartz ranges from pale gray to nearly black, with color that may fade after prolonged exposure to strong sunlight.
Field identification & locations
Check for hardness near 7, glassy luster, and curved conchoidal fracture; common in granite pegmatites and hydrothermal veins worldwide. A small rough fragment like this is typically worth about $1–$10, depending on clarity and provenance.
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Epidote
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Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
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