Natural Smoky Quartz

Natural Smoky Quartz

Smoky quartz is the brown to near-black variety of quartz (SiO2). Its color comes from natural irradiation in the earth acting on traces of aluminum in the crystal, and it ranges from a light smoky haze to deep, almost opaque tones. With a Mohs hardness of 7 it is a tough everyday stone that takes an excellent polish.

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Gemstone guide

Natural Smoky Quartz

About smoky quartz

Smoky quartz is prized for its earthy, understated character, with tones that recall bark, peat and stone rather than the brighter colors of most gems, and it can be cut in large sizes at modest prices. It is found worldwide; Brazil, Madagascar and the Swiss Alps are well-known sources, and in Scotland a local variety is called cairngorm. Very dark brown to black smoky quartz is known as morion, and some smoky quartz on the market is irradiated to deepen its tone.

What you'll find in this collection

Our smoky quartz comes from Brazil and is untreated. You'll find faceted cushions, rounds and octagons from about 3.5 to 15.5 carats, several matched pairs suited to earrings, and a few cabochons.

How to recognise smoky quartz

Smoky quartz is often very clean, so even large stones can be cut without visible inclusions. Its color can be zoned, and it shows weak dichroism in brown and reddish brown. It is lighter and softer than brown topaz or zircon, and unlike smoky glass it is doubly refractive and stays cool to the touch for longer.

Caring for smoky quartz

Clean smoky quartz with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Heat can bleach the smoky color, so keep it away from high temperatures and avoid steam cleaning.

Every smoky quartz is natural, and each listing gives its weight, size, origin and treatment, with photos of the actual stone.