mineral

Tumbled smoky quartz (likely iron-stained quartz)

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), smoky variety; brown coloration may reflect iron-oxide staining or natural irradiation

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; translucent brown to smoky-gray, with vitreous luster and conchoidal fracture. Quartz is trigonal and lacks cleavage; the specimen appears rough-polished or naturally weathered, with rusty inclusions.

Identified August 13, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Tumbled smoky quartz (likely iron-stained quartz)
Scientific name: Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), smoky variety; brown coloration may reflect iron-oxide staining or natural irradiation
Category: mineral
Identified: August 13, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$25 for a common hand specimen; $30–$150+ if unusually transparent, well-formed, or locality-documented.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Smoky quartz forms in silica-rich hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and cavities of igneous rocks; irradiation creates smoky color, while iron oxides produce reddish-brown tones. Its exact geological age and locality cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used as a collector specimen, ornamental stone, and occasionally in inexpensive jewelry; quartz is also important industrially in glass, ceramics, electronics, and abrasives.

Geological facts

Quartz commonly shows conchoidal fracture and can scratch ordinary steel or glass. Strongly transparent brown areas may indicate smoky quartz, whereas opaque rusty patches are likely iron oxides or mineral inclusions.

Field identification & locations

Identify by glassy luster, hardness, lack of cleavage, and scratch resistance; confirm with streak, specific gravity (~2.65), and inspection for hexagonal crystal faces. Common worldwide, especially in Brazil, Madagascar, the Alps, and the United States.