mineral
Smoky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Brown to black (translucent), Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Brown to black (translucent), Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous rocks like granite and pegmatites, as well as metamorphic rocks. The smoky color is caused by natural irradiation of trace aluminum impurities within the crystal lattice.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in jewelry (as a gemstone), for ornamental carvings, as a collector specimen, and in holistic practices.
Geological facts
The dark color is often artificially enhanced by lab irradiation. Morion is the name given to very dark, nearly opaque black varieties of smoky quartz.
Field identification & locations
Look for a translucent brown appearance with a glassy luster and no cleavage. It often has shell-like (conchoidal) fracture marks on broken surfaces. Found worldwide in locations like Brazil, Madagascar, and the Swiss Alps.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
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