Smoky quartz is transparent quartz that is brown,
gray, or black. It commonly occurs in quartz veins where it crystallizes inside rock.
Smoky quartz can occur as secondary quartz crystals on cryptocrystalline quartz in
cavities. It has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale.
The characteristic color of smoky quartz occurs when
rock crystal quartz is exposed to radiation over long periods of time. This process is not
completely understood, although it is known that exposure of transparent quartz to
radiation can change the oxidation states of impurities in the quartz structure. This
results in the characteristic colors of smoky quartz. Subsequent heating reverses this
process.
Smoky quartz often has cavities containing carbon
dioxide or water. If there is a sufficient number of these minute fluid inclusions, then
the quartz becomes opaque and is called milky quartz. Most smoky quartz forms on a matrix
of milky quartz. Crystals of smoky quartz often grade into milky quartz towards their
base. Smoky quartz often has cavities containing both liquid and gas. In rare cases,
two-phase inclusions in quartz can be visible to the unaided eye and may show actual
movement of the gas phase within the liquid phase.
Smoky quartz is believed to transform negative
emotions to more positive energies creating a calming and comforting effect. It also is
believed to improve clarity of thought.
Smoky quartz is said to increase fertility, to help
remove toxins from the body, and to aid the proper functioning of the kidneys, adrenals,
pancreas and sex organs. Smoky quartz, called smoky topaz, is popular in gemstone jewelry
because of its affordability and its many healing powers.
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