Smokey Quartz
$134.95
Item number:
2
Smokey Quartz From Brazil 2.32CT
Smoky quartz is a translucent-to-transparent variety of crystalline quartz that ranges in color from light grayish-brown to deep, nearly opaque black. Its distinctive tint is caused by natural underground gamma radiation acting on aluminum impurities within the silicon dioxide structure. It ranks a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale.
Key Characteristics & Properties
- Color and Inclusions: Color shades from faint earth-tones to dark brown are the norm. The nearly opaque, jet-black variety is sometimes called Morion. It often exhibits color zoning.
- Origin of Color: The color center is tied to natural irradiation. If heated to temperatures above 200–300 °C (392–572 °F) or subjected to intense UV light over time, the stone's color will fade, sometimes turning into yellow citrine.
- Durability: It has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it highly durable for everyday jewelry, including rings and pendants.
- Safety: While its color is induced by radiation, the crystal itself emits no harmful radioactivity and is perfectly safe to handle and wear.
History and Meaning
Smoky quartz is the national gemstone of Scotland, where it is traditionally called Cairngorm(named after the Cairngorm Mountains) and used for centuries in Highland and Celtic jewelry. Historically, 12th-century Chinese artisans even crafted flat slices of smoky quartz into rudimentary sunglasses to block glare.
In the world of crystal healing and metaphysical practices, smoky quartz is widely regarded as a premiere grounding stone. It is frequently utilized for:
- Stress and Negativity: Absorbing, neutralizing, and blocking negative energy.
- Grounding: Bringing emotional calmness, stability, and focus.
Value and Sourcing
Smoky quartz is an abundant mineral and widely available, making it an affordable gemstone. Notable deposits are found globally, with major commercial yields coming from Brazil, Madagascar, Australia, Switzerland, and the United States (notably Colorado).