mineral

Tumbled smoky quartz

Quartz (SiO₂), smoky variety

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 7; translucent brown to gray-brown, vitreous-to-waxy luster, conchoidal fracture, and no cleavage. The rounded surface indicates tumbling or natural abrasion; visible cloudy zones may reflect inclusions or fractures.

Identified September 12, 2026More mineral →

Explore Tumbled smoky quartz in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in silica-rich hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and cavities of igneous rocks; smoky color commonly results from irradiation affecting aluminum-related defects. Quartz is widespread from Precambrian to modern geological settings.

Uses & applications

Used as a low-cost ornamental and lapidary stone, jewelry material, and collector specimen; high-quality transparent smoky quartz can be faceted.

Geological facts

Smoky quartz is the brown variety of quartz, sometimes called morion when especially dark. It can fade with prolonged heating or intense sunlight.

Field identification & locations

Identify by hardness, glassy luster, conchoidal fracture, and inability to scratch with a steel knife; it should scratch ordinary glass. Common localities include Brazil, Switzerland, Madagascar, the United States, and Scotland.