mineral

Tumbled smoky quartz with iron-stained inclusions

Quartz (SiO₂), likely smoky quartz variety

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 7; translucent gray-brown to smoky coloration with rusty iron-oxide staining or inclusions; vitreous luster and conchoidal fracture. Tumbled and polished, so natural crystal faces and cleavage are absent; quartz is trigonal (hexagonal) structurally.

Identified August 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz formed in hydrothermal veins, cavities, or pegmatites as silica-rich fluids cooled, with irradiation and trace aluminum producing smoky color; iron oxides caused brown-red patches. The specimen’s exact geological age and locality cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Commonly sold as a decorative or lapidary stone and used in carvings, cabochons, jewelry, and metaphysical collections; quartz also has major industrial uses in glass, electronics, and abrasives.

Geological facts

Smoky quartz can fade with prolonged heating or strong sunlight, while iron staining may occur along fractures and surface pits.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its glassy luster, translucency, conchoidal fracture, and inability to scratch with a steel knife; it should scratch glass but not be confused with brown glass or slag. Common sources include Brazil, Switzerland, Madagascar, the United States, and Spain.