mineral
Smoky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Brown to nearly black; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Brown to nearly black
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Brown to nearly black; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous, metamorphic, and hydrothermal environments through the natural irradiation of crystalline quartz containing trace amounts of aluminum impurities. Found worldwide in pegmatites and veins.
Uses & applications
Used in jewelry, decorative items, and metaphysical practices. Also utilized in industrial applications requiring high purity silica.
Geological facts
Smoky quartz is the national gemstone of Scotland. Its distinctive color is caused by natural gamma radiation from surrounding radioactive rocks acting on aluminum impurities within the quartz lattice.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its translucent to opaque brown coloration and characteristic conchoidal fracture with vitreous luster. Commonly found in pegmatites and alluvial deposits globally.
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