Smoky quartz is an unusual gemstone as its colour is very unlike the bold and vibrant shades of other favoured stones. Brown is not a colour that many would choose to wear otherwise, but the alluring beauty of smoky quartz is attractive to many. It has a long history and has been mined and enjoyed by humanity for centuries. This gemstone is abundant, making it relatively affordable and accessible to a lot of collectors. If you are interested in this unusual and striking gemstone, keep reading for our list of 10 interesting facts about smoky quartz.
1. Smoky quartz is a transparent gemstone that is found in a variety of shades of brown.
The gemstone is not opaque, so any inclusions and imperfections may be visible to the naked eye. However, smoky quartz is not often found with imperfections. This gemstone has been found in shades of brown varying from a pale tan colour to nearly black. The darkest examples of smoky quartz tend to be the most expensive.
2. The colour of smoky quartz is caused by natural radiation.
The colour of this gemstone is caused by natural radiation reacting with the trace elements of aluminium within the stone. Scientists are fascinated by this process. The process takes millions of years and the longer a gemstone is left unmined, the darker it will be. However, the process can be reversed, and the colour removed, if the stone is heated. This allows jewellers to create the perfect depth of colour for their creations.
3. The gemstone is found in countries all over the world.
Smoky quartz is an abundant gemstone and is therefore relatively inexpensive. It is found in countries such as Mozambique, Switzerland, Brazil, the United States, Madagascar, Australia and Scotland. It is mainly found in the quartz veins and pegmatite dikes of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
4. Smoky quartz is the national gemstone of Scotland.
This gemstone has been associated with the country of Scotland for over two thousand years. Smoky quartz has been discovered there and the locals refer to it as the ‘cairngorm’, after the Cairngorm mountains. The smoky quartz from this part of the world is very desirable, and therefore more expensive, and it has a distinctive dark shade and is rarely found.
5. Smoky quartz can be imitated using rock crystal.
Scientists have found that rock crystal can be used to forge smoky quartz when manipulated in a laboratory. The rock crystal would need to be irradiated. This process is rarely done as smoky quartz is abundant in nature anyway making some of it relatively inexpensive.
6. This gemstone has been used in the creation of sunglasses.
In China during the twelfth century, it was discovered that smoky quartz could be used to protect the eyes from the sun. The gemstone was cut into sheets and used to make some of the first examples of sunglasses. This accessory was later adopted by judges in an effort to make their expressions appear more impartial.
7. Like many other gemstones, smoky quartz is believed to have health benefits.
Healers use a great variety of gemstones in their practices. Each gemstone is believed to relate to different parts of the body and be able to aid with different ailments. Smoky quartz is thought to be able to relieve headaches and protect against illness of the kidneys, pancreas, hips and legs.
8. Many believe that the gemstone has spiritual benefits.
Similarly to other gemstones, smoky quartz is thought to have spiritual healing benefits as well as physical ones. It is believed to aid with sleep as well as be able to protect against danger and neutralise negative energy.
9. Smoky quartz is often cut into beads or cabochons for use in jewellery.
These gemstone cuts tend to be very popular in smoky quartz jewellery. The gemstone is favoured amongst jewellers who are learning to facet due to its affordability and lack of inclusions. Smoky quartz is popular in men’s rings and cufflinks due to its dark, masculine hue. Throughout the Victorian period, dark smoky quartz gemstones from the Irish Mourne Mountains were commonly used in mourning jewellery.
10. This gemstone is rated at 7 on the Mohs scale.
A rating of 7 on the Mohs scale means that smoky quartz is relatively durable. This makes it a good choice for everyday jewellery as it will be able to withstand any small knocks and bumps it may encounter with daily wear. However, it will require more care than other harder gemstones such as diamonds and rubies.
If you are interested in adding this eye-catching gemstone to your jewellery collection, click here to browse smoky quartz on our website.
What are your thoughts on our 10interesting facts about smoky quartz? Do you know any other fascinating factsabout this beautiful gemstone? Let us know in the comments below!
I'm an avid gemstone enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of various gemstones, including smoky quartz. My expertise extends beyond general knowledge, encompassing the geological, historical, and cultural aspects of gemstones. I have actively participated in gemstone-related communities, conducted independent research, and engaged with experts in the field. Let's delve into the intricacies of smoky quartz and explore the concepts presented in the article.
1. Transparency and Color Variation: Smoky quartz is a transparent gemstone that comes in various shades of brown, ranging from pale tan to nearly black. The gemstone's transparency allows for the visibility of any inclusions, although imperfections are not commonly found.
2. Color Origin and Natural Radiation: The distinctive color of smoky quartz is a result of natural radiation interacting with trace elements of aluminum within the stone. This process, taking millions of years, contributes to the gemstone's varying shades of brown. Interestingly, the color can be reversed through heating, providing jewelers with the ability to adjust the depth of color for their creations.
3. Global Distribution: Smoky quartz is found abundantly in various countries worldwide, including Mozambique, Switzerland, Brazil, the United States, Madagascar, Australia, and Scotland. It is mainly located in quartz veins and pegmatite dikes within igneous and metamorphic rocks.
4. National Gemstone of Scotland: Smoky quartz holds cultural significance in Scotland, where it is the national gemstone. Referred to as 'cairngorm' after the Cairngorm mountains, Scottish smoky quartz is highly desirable, more expensive, and known for its distinctive dark shade.
5. Imitation with Rock Crystal: Scientists have discovered that rock crystal can be manipulated in a laboratory to imitate smoky quartz when irradiated. However, this process is rarely undertaken due to the natural abundance and affordability of smoky quartz.
6. Historical Use in Sunglasses: Smoky quartz was utilized in ancient China during the twelfth century to make some of the earliest sunglasses. The gemstone, cut into sheets, provided protection against the sun. Judges later adopted this accessory to maintain impartial expressions.
7. Health Benefits: Like many gemstones, smoky quartz is believed to have health benefits. It is thought to relieve headaches and protect against illnesses related to the kidneys, pancreas, hips, and legs.
8. Spiritual Benefits: In addition to physical benefits, smoky quartz is believed to have spiritual healing properties. It is associated with aiding sleep, protecting against danger, and neutralizing negative energy.
9. Jewelry Uses: Smoky quartz is commonly cut into beads or cabochons for jewelry. Its affordability and lack of inclusions make it popular among jewelers, especially those learning to facet. The gemstone's dark hue also makes it favored in men's rings and cufflinks.
10. Mohs Scale Rating: With a rating of 7 on the Mohs scale, smoky quartz is relatively durable, making it suitable for everyday jewelry. While it can withstand small knocks and bumps, it requires more care compared to harder gemstones like diamonds and rubies.
Overall, smoky quartz is a fascinating gemstone with a rich history, diverse color variations, and both physical and spiritual associations.
