The Gemstone Smoky Quartz
Smoky Quartz is the brown "smoky" variety of Quartz. It ranges in color from light grayish-brown to deep black.
Smoky Quartz can be opaque, but is almost always transparent to translucent, even when in its darkest color shade. Smoky Quartz is very common and was never an historically important gemstone. Only in very recent times has it become a popular gemstone.
All About
Smoky Quartz is an affordable gemstone, and it has become popular in jewelry. Since it is very common and often lacking
flaws, small Smoky Quartz gemstones are rarely encountered. In fact, gemstones can reach several hundred
carats with minimal flaws. The color of Smoky Quartz is thought to be caused by natural
irradiation of Quartz.
Citrine, the yellow to orange variety of Quartz, sometimes has a
brownish tinge, and a stone can thus be borderlined between Citrine and
Smoky Quartz.
Uses
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Smoky Quartz is an important brown gemstone, and is used in various form of jewelry. It is especially used as ring and pendant centerpieces. Lesser quality stones, often with lighter color, are cut as
cabochons or
tumbled into beads. Large spheres and
carvings are also cut from Smoky Quartz.
Treatments & Enhancements
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Most Smoky Quartz is naturally colored, though some of the darker colored forms are colored by exposing clear Quartz to
irradiation through
gamma rays.
Smoky Quartz Sources
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Smoky Quartz is found throughout the world. Important deposits exist in Brazil, Madagascar, Mozambique, Australia, Switzerland, Scotland, and the United States (Colorado and New Hampshire).
Similar Gemstones
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Few gemstones are confused with Smoky Quartz, though
brown
Topaz can be the same color but is harder, and brown
Diamonds have more fire and are much harder. Smoky Quartz may also resemble other black gemstones such as
Schorl
Tourmaline and
Melanite Garnet, but these gemstones are always opaque, whereas Smoky Quartz is usually at least translucent.
Smoky Quartz in the Rough Photos
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Smoky Quartz Jewelry Photos
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