mineral

Smoky quartz

Quartz (SiO₂), smoky variety

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 7; translucent to opaque brown-black with a vitreous luster and hexagonal crystal structure. No true cleavage; uneven to conchoidal fracture.

Identified October 14, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Mohs hardness 7; translucent to opaque brown-black with a vitreous luster and hexagonal crystal structure. No true cleavage; uneven to conchoidal fracture.

Formation & geological history

Forms as silica-rich fluids crystallize in cavities and fractures, often in granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal veins. The smoky color commonly results from natural irradiation acting on trace aluminum; age varies with host rock.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry, carvings, and mineral collections; quartz is also important in glassmaking and electronics.

Geological facts

Smoky quartz’s color ranges from pale gray-brown to nearly black; very dark material is sometimes called morion.

Field identification & locations

Look for smoky translucent crystals with glassy luster and six-sided forms, commonly in granites and pegmatites. The photo appears to show a dark smoky-quartz crystal among lighter crystals, though image detail is limited.