mineral

Tumbled smoky quartz

Quartz (SiO₂), smoky variety

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; transparent to translucent brown coloration, vitreous luster, and no visible cleavage. It has a hexagonal crystal structure, though tumbling has rounded its form; the dark edge may reflect thicker material rather than a separate mineral.

Identified August 16, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when natural or irradiated quartz develops color from aluminum-related defects, commonly in granitic pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and metamorphic rocks. Quartz is abundant from Precambrian through modern geological settings.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative tumbled stone, collector specimen, and occasional gemstone; quartz is also important in glass, ceramics, electronics, and construction aggregate.

Geological facts

Smoky quartz can be naturally irradiated underground or artificially treated to intensify color. The photograph shows a polished/tumbled specimen, so diagnostic crystal faces are absent.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its brown transparent body, glassy luster, rounded polish, and resistance to scratching by ordinary steel. Common sources include Brazil, Switzerland, the United States, Madagascar, and Scotland.