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Smoky Quartz
Smoky Quartz
Smoky Quartz
Smoky Quartz

Smoky Quartz

Smoky Quartz

A species of Quartz, Also known as Cairngorm, Colorado Diamond, Smoky Citrine

Smoky Quartz is a common mineral that ranges in shade from almost black to a lighter, smoky brown. Because it is so common, it is not considered to be particularly valuable. If the stone is bleached by heat, sometimes a yellow color shoots through the mineral- these pieces are called citrine. In Scotland, smoky Quartz from a local mountain is a valued ornamental stone.

Semi-precious gemstone

Hardness
Hardness:

7

Density
Density:

2.65 - 2.66 g/cm³

General Info About Smoky Quartz

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Physical Properties of Smoky Quartz

Luster
Vitreous
Diaphaneity
Transparent to translucent
Colors
Gray, brown, black
Magnetism
Non-magnetic
Tenacity
Brittle
Cleavage
None
Fracture
Conchoidal
Streak
White
Crystal System
Trigonal
Hardness
7 , Hard
Density
2.65 - 2.66 g/cm³, Normal Weight
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Chemical Properties of Smoky Quartz

Chemical Classification
Silicates
Formula
SiO2
Elements listed
O, Si

Optical Properties of Smoky Quartz

Refractive Index
1.544-1.553
Birefringence
0.009
Pleochroism
Weak: green-brown, reddish-brown
Dispersion
0.013
Optical Character
Biaxial positive

Health Risk of Smoky Quartz

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What is the hazards of Smoky Quartz?

Harm Type
Physical Toxicity
Smoky Quartz in powdered form can be toxic due to its Crystalline Silica content.
Quartz, silica, crystalline silica and flint are non-toxic materials, but very fine dust containing quartz, known as respirable crystalline silicon (RCS), can cause serious and fatal lung disease. Lapidaries should exercise caution when cutting silica.

How to prevent the risks of Smoky Quartz?

Avoid long-term inhalation of its dust!
Smoky Quartz is typically non-toxic unless it's in powder form. Long-term exposure to finely ground powder may lead to silicosis. Therefore, when cutting or polishing smoky Quartz, be sure to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling its dust.

Discover the Value of Smoky Quartz

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Rarity
Easy to obtain
Collection Recommendation
4.1 out of 5
Popularity
4.0
Aesthetic
4.2
Rarity
3.7
Sci-Cultural Value
3.8

The Market Price of Smoky Quartz

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Color, clarity and weight are the decisive factors affecting the price of smoky Quartz. At about 2.5 cm in size, the price of a tumbled stone of ordinary quality is usually $1-$4/piece. In addition to the impact of color, clarity and weight on the price of smoky crystal clusters, the shape of the clusters and the integrity of the crystals are also important factors affecting pricing. The price of smoky crystal clusters is usually between $1-$40/piece. A few beautifully shaped, complete crystals, and high-clarity giant smoky crystal clusters can sell for tens of thousands of dollars.

Rough/Tumbled Price

Smaller Than Hand (0-1.5in)
$2 - $10
Close Hand (1.5-3in)
$10 - $30
Equal To Hand (3-6in)
$30 - $80
Bigger Than Hand (>6in)
$80

Cluster/Geode Price

Smaller or Equal To Hand (<3in)
$6 - $40
Equal To Hand (3-6in)
$40 - $100
Bigger Than Hand (>6in)
$100

Gemstone Price

Price
$0.5 ~ $10 /ct

How to Care for Smoky Quartz?

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Durability
Durable
Scratch resistance
Good

Toughness of Smoky Quartz

Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
The good toughness of smoky Quartz is characterized by its strong internal structure and lack of cleavage, which allows it to withstand daily use without fracturing easily.

Stability of Smoky Quartz

Sensitive
Stable
Smoky Quartz's susceptibility to sunlight and heat exposure as well as chemical reactions classifies it as sensitive for daily use despite its resistance to water and stains.
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Real vs Fake Smoky Quartz

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5 Ways to Tell if smoky Quartz is Real

Fake Alert Level:
Caution Needed
Materials such as Glass, plastic, and lab-created quartz are commonly utilized to mimic natural smoky Quartz. It is advisable to purchase from reputable retailers and, if possible, request a certificate from a gem testing laboratory for authentication. Here are some handy tips to help you initially discern the authenticity of smoky Quartz.
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Characteristics of Smoky Quartz

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Rock Types of Smoky Quartz

Morion is a very dark brown to black opaque variety.

Formation of Smoky Quartz

Like other quartz gems, it is a silicon dioxide crystal. The smoky colour results from free silicon formed from the silicon dioxide by natural irradiation.

Cultural Significance of Smoky Quartz

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Uses of Smoky Quartz

Probably the most interesting historical uses of smoky Quartz originates from the 12th century in China, where it was used in the form of flat panels to create sunglasses. Other than that curiosity, it had no significant uses. However, in recent times, smoky Quartz has become very popular as an ornamental crystal and a gemstone, especially for making jewelry.

Distribution of Smoky Quartz

Cairngorm is a variety of smoky quartz found in the Cairngorm Mountains of Scotland.

Etymology of Smoky Quartz

Morion is the German, Danish, Spanish and Polish synonym for smoky quartz. The name is from a misreading of mormorion in Pliny the Elder.

Healing Properties of Smoky Quartz

Smoky Quartz symbolizes stability, balance, and overall wellbeing, and it’s said to be an excellent stone for grounding. This type of quartz has a reputation for detoxifying the body and protecting it from radiation and negative energy. It is believed to support the root chakra. It can be used as a piece of jewelry, but also as a decoration in home or office.
Chakras
Root

Common Questions People Also Ask

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