The facts
What smoky quartz actually is
Mineralogically, smoky quartz is quartz — SiO₂, crystallising in the trigonal system.
The colour is caused by aluminium plus natural irradiation. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.544–1.553, and the specific gravity sits near 2.65; cleavage is none.
Where smoky quartz comes from
The recognised sources are Alps, Switzerland, Brazil, Madagascar and Scotland (cairngorm).
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How smoky quartz is treated
Commonly irradiated to deepen or create the colour.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What smoky quartz is confused with
The usual confusions are Irradiated quartz, Andalusite and Smoky topaz.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.544–1.553 and specific gravity 2.65 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What smoky quartz is used for
Smoky quartz is bought by jewellery, decorative objects and mineral collecting — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat, by the piece or by the specimen.
Durability and care
Hardness 7; cleavage none. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What smoky quartz costs
Indicative pricing for smoky quartz is $2–30/ct.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is smoky quartz treated, and how?
Commonly irradiated to deepen or create the colour.
Where does smoky quartz come from?
Alps, Switzerland, Brazil, Madagascar and Scotland (cairngorm). Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is smoky quartz hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 7 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does smoky quartz cost?
Indicatively $2–30/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is smoky quartz confused with?
Most often Irradiated quartz, Andalusite and Smoky topaz. A refractive index of 1.544–1.553 and a specific gravity near 2.65 separate it quickly.
What is smoky quartz used for besides jewellery?
decorative objects and mineral collecting. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for smoky quartz?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about smoky quartz