The Specimen Library / Record
Smoky Quartz
Quartz / brown-to-gray variety
Quartz with the color of smoke, from a faint gray veil to a very dark brown.
← Return to the Specimen Library
01 · The material
Natural History
Natural irradiation can produce its color; laboratory irradiation can do the same. A brown crystal is not a record of how that color arose.
02 · Observe
Under the Loupe
Look beyond the shade: crystal shape, fracture and testing matter. Neither a very dark color nor a seller’s reassuring story proves untreated material.
03 · Ownership
Collect & Care
Keep it away from prolonged strong light and heat. Protect pointed crystals from knocks; use a soft cloth for routine dusting.
04 · The human story
History, Lore & Tradition
Documented history
Smoky quartz is a descriptive variety name within the quartz family, not another mineral species.
Sources & further reading
References are labeled by role. A source documenting a belief is not evidence of a medical or mineralogical effect. Reflection prompts are C&C editorial suggestions.
The cabinet
Filed Under
Follow the question
Go deeper
Take it with you
Field resources in development
- Collector Record · future free download
- Quick Reference · future free download
- Coloring & Discovery Page · future low-cost resource
Adjacent drawers
Related Specimens
The cabinet