SMOKY_QUARTZ
Specimen smq-1

Dims: 1-1/4" x 5/8" x 1/2"

Wt: 7.3g

Two Point Mine, Florissant, Teller Co., Colorado, U.S.A.

Two minerals in association make up this lovely little specimen. The first mineral that one may notice makes up the bulk of the piece-- it is a crystal of Smoky Quartz that basically has the same dimensions as the specimen itself. It is in excellent condition, with two conchoidal chips in two adjoining termination faces. There is also a large break that covers most of two prism faces-- it has undergone much healing before it was disinterred. The remaining prism and termination faces are all flawless and have a slightly frosted luster. Clinging to the crystal at the base of one of the damaged prism faces is a tiny(3/8" x 1/4" x 3/16") amazonite crystal. It has moderate damage, including a fracture running completely through the lower 1/3 of its length. It does, however, have good crystal form and an almost flawless termination that is only partially engulfed by the Quartz. The specimen is hot-melt glued to a small 1-inch-square clear acrylic base.

Dims: 4" x 1-1/4" x 3/4"

Wt: 3.72 oz. w/ base

Qui-Buc Claims, Florissant, Teller Co., Colorado, U.S.A.

One large Smoky Quartz crystal makes up this specimen-- there is no host rock or any other rock or mineral present. The crystal has a dark brown color that is definitely naturally induced and a low luster that is reminiscent of a faintly frosted glass. The crystal is nearly perfect in form, with a very small amount of chipping between the primary termination faces, along the "basal edge". As far as I can tell, the clarity is good, with some slight color zonation and at least one large veil-like inclusion.

Dims: 2-7/8" x 1-5/8" x 1-1/2"

Wt: 2.96 oz

Greely, Ontario, Canada

This Smoky Quartz crystal is remarkably similar to varieties from Brazil that are called elestial quartz; it has a medium brown color, heavy striations and growth patterns on all faces, unidentifiable inclusions, heavy internal fracturing, and finally, a warped but definite crystal form. Apart from all of this, it is double-terminated! The smaller termination has considerable damage, with one face almost completely missing. There are a few breakage points along the prism faces, some where the crystal was separated from its native origin, others that have been partially healed. The larger termination has some damage at the base of one face and on some small points along termination edges. The faces have intense growth patterns on them- I have not seen striations more severe than these ones. At the base of the second largest termination face is a triangular hole that opens up to a geometric hollow inside that may have been caused by a calcite inclusion that was later washed out. It is a wonderful specimen!

Dims: 5.8" x 1.5" x 1.4"(14.7 x 3.8 x 3.6 cm)

Wt: 5.44 oz.(154.2 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

One of the finest Smoky Quartz specimens that I have come across, this piece consists of two long, pale brown hexagonal prismatic crystals attached along their prism lengths and growing at angles to each other. The smaller crystal measures 3.4 x 0.5 x 0.5"(8.6 x 1.3 x 1.3 cm) and has a small amount of damage to a prism edge. It has clean edges and faces and contains a few planar chlorite inclusions, but not enough to make up a phantom. Other than these inclusions and a few small internal fractures, it is transparent and very clear. The other crystal measures 5.8 x 1.0 x 0.9"(14.7 x 2.5 x 0.9 cm) and appears to be completely undamaged. Its form is exceptional, and other than a few internal fractures in its lower 2"(5.1 cm), it has no inclusions and is clear. Three of its sides are clean and enable one to see clearly into the crystal, but the other three surfaces have a lower luster, and appear almost frosted.

Dims: 6.4" x 2.8" x 2.5"(16.3 x 7.1 x 6.4 cm)

Wt: 1 lb., 9.7 oz.(728 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

This specimen consists of one hexagonal prismatic Smoky Quartz crystal. It is very large and has excellent form, with only a few minor spots of human-induced damage. It has a pale brown color and the standard vitreous luster of quartz. Though it contains several internal fractures and cloudy inclusions, it is transparent and shows large areas of excellent clarity. The prism and termination faces have large striations and complex growth patterns on them that are quite intriguing. There are a few large areas of damage on the crystal that show definite partial healing, as they occurred near the end of the crystal's formation. This crystal is in uncommonly good condition for its size!

Dims: 3.4" x 3.0" x 2.4"(8.6 x 7.6 x 6.1 cm)

Wt: 13.6 oz.(387 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

This Smoky Quartz specimen is of the variety known as Elestial Quartz; it has an extremely warped crystal form and is full of mud inclusions that can be construed as phantoms. It has been broken and repaired, unfortunately, but only close examination will reveal this, and from its "showing face" it looks unaffected. As a result of its bizarre formation, there are many crevices that penetrate rather deeply into the crystal. Apart from all of the oddities, it has the standard pale brown color, vitreous luster, and transparence of Smoky Quartz. I love specimens of this material; one of the first pieces I ever bought was a chunk of elestial quartz.

Dims: 1.7" x 1.4" x 0.6"(4.3 x 3.6 x 1.5 cm)

Wt: 21.2 g w/ base

Sceptre Claims, Emerald Lake, Yukon Territory, Canada

Though small, this specimen is one of the most attractive Smoky Quartz pieces that I have seen yet! There are between 10 and 20 small, hexagonal prismatic Smoky Quartz crystals on this specimen. They range from less than 0.1"(2 mm) to over 0.5"(1.3 cm) in length. All seem to have good form and are a pale brown color, transparent, and have a vitreous luster. There doesn't seem to be much damage to the cluster, but it is difficult to tell, because the crystals are intergrown with 3 clusters of needlelike schorl crystals. It shelters the Smoky Quartz crystals and is so pervasive that many tiny needles are included in the quartz, which can, in effect, be called tourmalinated quartz. One cluster of these needles has a maximum length of about 1.7"(4.3 cm), and contains many needle-like crystals. Needless to say, the schorl has a black color, vitreous luster, and is opaque. The specimen is hot-glued to a square acrylic base. It takes some time to study this specimen, as there a lot of confused detail in it.

Though small, this specimen is one of the most attractive Smoky Quartz pieces that I have seen yet! There are between 10 and 20 small, hexagonal prismatic Smoky Quartz crystals on this specimen. They range from less than 0.1"(2 mm) to over 0.5"(1.3 cm) in length. All seem to have good form and are a pale brown color, transparent, and have a vitreous luster. There doesn't seem to be much damage to the cluster, but it is difficult to tell, because the crystals are intergrown with 3 clusters of needlelike schorl crystals. It shelters the Smoky Quartz crystals and is so pervasive that many tiny needles are included in the quartz, which can, in effect, be called tourmalinated quartz. One cluster of these needles has a maximum length of about 1.7"(4.3 cm), and contains many needle-like crystals. Needless to say, the schorl has a black color, vitreous luster, and is opaque. The specimen is hot-glued to a square acrylic base. It takes some time to study this specimen, as there a lot of confused detail in it.

Dims: 1.5" x 1.3" x 1.0"(3.8 x 3.3 x 2.5 cm)

Wt: 1.00 oz.(28.5 g) w/ base

Sceptre Claims, Emerald Lake, Yukon Territory, Canada

Like other Smoky Quartzes from this locality, this specimen consists of several hexagonal prismatic crystals that interesect at or near their bases. However, there is a set of crystals in this particular cluster that meet at their bases, and are aligned at 90-degree angles to each other, creating a Japan-Law twin. It has no damage and consists of the largest crystal in the cluster, measuring 1.4"(3.6 cm) long and 0.5"(1.3 cm) in diameter, with four parallel crystals erupting from its base at a 90-degree angle! A few other crystals help to form the base that these twins rest on. All have a pale brown color and the standard vitreous luster of Quartz, and all show dim to clear transparence, due to many veil-like inclusions and internal fractures. The specimen is affixed to a square acrylic base.

Dims: 1.7" x 1.6" x 1.5"(4.3 x 4.1 x 3.8 cm)

Wt: 1.33 oz.(37.8 g) w/ base

Sceptre Claims, Emerald Lake, Yukon Territory, Canada

This specimen contains one of the oddest formations that I have seen in a while. There are many crystals on this specimen; all occur in the hexagonal prismatic form that is common for quartz, and are colored a uniform pale brown. All have a dim, pearly to waxy luster caused by a thin coating of an unknown material, and are translucent but heavily included. The largest crystal measures 1.3"(3.3 cm) long and is missing its termination due to a severe interruption in its growth. This interruption was caused by 2 double-terminated crystals that grew parallel to each other off of the large crystal at a 50- to 60-degree angle. Four small, separate terminations make up the large crystal's "termination": one between the 2 crystals, and three off to one side. There are several extremely small crystals that have also grown out of the area, but these do not affect the general structure like the larger ones do. There is a small amount of chalky material around the bases of the crystals, but no other host rock. I like this because it is weird!

Dims: 5.8" x 2.1" x 1.6"(14.7 x 5.3 x 4.1 cm)

Wt: 1 lb., 0.6 oz.470 g

Minas Gerais, Brazil

This specimen consists of a single pale brown Smoky Quartz crystal. It occurs in a near-perfect hexagonal prismatic form of all crystalline quartz, and has an equally common hexagonal pyramidal termination that shows only one near-microscopic spot of damage! It also has the standard vitreous luster of quartz, and is transparent, but the view through the crystal is interrupted by rather heavy internal fracturing and many veil-like inclusions. There are substantial patches of clarity, though. The crystal's faces are rather heavily striated with visible complex growth patterns, and two sides of the prism are dusted with an extremely thin whitish crust that may well be calcite. There are a few scars near its base that show a small amount of partial-healing, but the break from its place of origin is quite clean. It is a magnificent fistful of crystal that will make either a neat gift, a highly unusual paperweight, or a metaphysical tool of great proportions.

Dims: 2.0" x 1.9" x 1.4" (5.1 x 4.8 x 3.6 cm)

Wt: 1.37 oz. (39.0 g)

Concepcion del Oro, Mexico.

Though showing some obvious breakage on one crystal, this specimen consists of several Smoky Quartzes that have reasonably good hexagonal prismatic form. One of these has no termination due to a separation from an adjacent crystal, but this is not human-induced, as the breakage point is healed over. The crystals average about 1.5" (3.8 cm) in length and have reasonably clean faces and edges that show a vitreous luster where they are not coated with a thin layer of limonite, white calcite, or pale green malachite. Their color is a combination of pale brown and violet, so that they could conceivably be construed as amethyst, and they are transparent and show moderate clarity, though some are heavily included and all are internally fractured to a degree. It is difficult to determine their clarity accurately, however, due to the interference of the various coatings that are on different sides of the crystals. I haven't seen many specimens like this one.

Dims: 3.8" x 2.5" x 2.4" (9.7 x 6.4 x 6.1 cm)

Wt: 14.1 oz. (401 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

One of my personal favorites, this specimen consists of a conglomeration of albite, muscovite, deep blue tourmaline, and several Smoky Quartz crystals. The largest of these "Smokies" has dimensions of 3.3 x 1.5 x 1.4" (8.4 x 3.8 x 3.6 cm) and has excellent hexagonal prismatic form with double pyramidal terminations. It shows only very minor damage, and has generally smooth faces and edges, though only three are not obscured by the host rock, and one of the visible ones has a thin coating of material over it. This coated prism face has a matte luster, whereas the others have the standard vitreous luster. Part of one of the exposed prism faces shows some very unusual formations that are akin to those on "elestial quartz" pieces. The crystal's color is a pale brown and it is transparent and moderately clear, though there are many internal fractures that provide interference. One or two faces on each termination are riddled with surface cracks. There are several smaller Smoky Quarz crystals visible on the specimen, but only two of these appear to be undamaged, and these are mostly buried. The most complete one has parts of tourmaline crystals growing into it that somehow create spots of brilliant colors inside. Only a few of the visible tourmalines appear undamaged. Their color is almost blue-black. The albite and muscovite do not appear to have definite crystal forms.

Dims: 4.4" x 3.2" x 2.7" (11.2 x 8.1 x 6.9 cm)

Wt: 1 lb., 1.5 oz. (498 g)

Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.A.

This specimen consists of either an incomplete hexagonal prismatic or a complete hexagonal pyriamidal Smoky Quartz crystal. From the luster of the breakage planes on its underside, I believe that this crystal broke off right at the base of its termination, and this termination began to heal over the break before it was harvested. Other than this and a fresh breakage spot where the crystal was separated from its place of formation, it is undamaged, and has clean faces and edges that show off its vitreous luster. Its color is a very deep brownish-black that is obviously induced through radiation, and it is opaque to all intents and purposes. There are several large cracks running through the crystal, but they are not indicative of repaired breaks, and the specimen appears to be quite sturdy. A similar, smaller crystal is adjacent to the large one, and shares the same properties. There is no detectable host rock of any kind.

Dims: 5.4" x 3.7" x 1.7" (13.7 x 9.4 x 4.3 cm)

Wt: 1 lb., 1.9 oz. (508 g)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

This particular specimen consists of a few rather flat Smoky Quartz crystals that are intergrown with each other and a base of cream-colored albite. The crystals all seem to be incomplete, with the largest one missing the most material. Their form, though somewhat warped, is still definable as hexagonal prismatic, and their intact faces and edges are clean, showing a luster that is dull or vitreous, depending respectively on whether or not the faces are coated with a thin layer of white material that is visible. They have a pale brown color and are transparent and somewhat clear, though the white coating and many internal fractures and inclusions hamper or destroy their clarity. Along with the inclusions and fractures are many dark green and black elbaite crystals that are partially embedded in the crystals. Most show substantial breakage where they are exposed, but a few are completely enveloped by the quartz, and are thus intact. Being a rather odd specimen, it is impressive even with its substantial damage.

Dims: 5.3" x 3.9" x 3.4" (13.5 x 9.9 x 8.6 cm)

Wt: 2 lbs., 7.5 oz. (1.119 g)

Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.A.

This specimen consists of what some people call "morion", which is Smoky Quartz that has a thoroughly black color. This particular piece was harvested as rock crystal and then treated with x-rays to give it its black coloration. Though there are many crystals in this cluster that are damaged or incomplete, most are in very good condition, with excellent crystal form and clean faces and edges that show off their vitreous luster. The largest crystal in this cluster measures 2.4 x 0.8 x 0.7" (6.1 x 2.0 x 1.8 cm) and the second largest is only slightly smaller. Only the smallest crystals in the cluster are translucent; the larger ones are too dark to let light through.

Dims: 2.1" x 1.8" x 1.5" (5.3 x 4.6 x 3.8 cm)

Wt: 2.59 oz. (73.4 g)

San Geraldo de Baixio, Minas Gerais, Brazil

This small hand specimen basically consists of a single hexagonal prismatic Smoky Quartz crystal that is jutting out of a broken piece of a larger crystal. This crystal has dimensions of 1.9 x 1.1 x 0.8" (4.8 x 2.8 x 2.0 cm), and though it shows a few scars and scuff marks on one edge and one prism face, it is nonetheless in very good condition, with an intact and exceptional hexagonal pyramidal termination. Its edges are very well-defined and its faces are quite clean, showing a vitreous luster. It has a pale brown coloration and is transparent and very clear, though it does contain some noticeable internal fractures. It would appear that some of the breakage occurred prior to the specimen's mining, as the crystal shows a rough but definite crystal face down at its base. This face extends well into the broken material that serves as its base.

Dims: 2.1" x 1.8" x 1.5" (5.3 x 4.6 x 3.8 cm)

Wt: 2.59 oz. (73.4 g)

Sao Geraldo de Baixio, Minas Gerais, Brazil

This specimen consists of a single Smoky Quartz crystal. It does show two conchoidal fractures along one prism edge, but though its termination appears to be damaged, this damage occurred prior to its mining, and is partly healed over. Its hexagonal prismatic form is excellent, with well-defined edges and striated but clean faces that possess the standard vitreous luster. Its color is brown, of course, but it also has a yellow caste that is not deep or strong enough to qualify it as a citrine. It is transparent and very clear, as it contains only a few small internal fractures and a few veil-like inclusions near its base. Even the angled surface of the base is partly healed over.

Dims: 1.8 x 1.4 x 1.3" (4.6 x 3.6 x 3.3 cm)

Wt: 1.32 oz. (37.6 g)

Mendes Pimentel, Minas Gerais, Brazil

This thumbnail specimen consists of two partly intersecting Smoky Quartz crystals. The larger of the two has dimensions of 1.3 x 1.0 x 0.9" (3.3 x 2.5 x 2.3 cm) and the smaller measures 1.4 x 0.8 x 0.7" (3.6 x 2.0 x 1.8 cm). The larger crystal is in only fair condition, as it is not quite complete and shows considerable damage, but the smaller crystal is in good condition, showing fresh damage on only one termination. The larger crystal likewise has a highly warped hexagonal prismatic form, possessing similar form to that of "elestial" quartz specimens. The smaller crystal also has a somewhat warped form, but its shape is still quite regular- both have reasonably well-defined edges and clean faces that possess the standard vitreous luster. Both crystals have an uneven pale brown coloration- this coloration occurs in planar layers and forms definite phantoms in some areas. The crystals are transparent and moderately clear, containing many internal fractures and both cloudy and solid inclusions. There is no host rock present.

Dims: 2.4 x 1.6 x 1.2" (6.1 x 4.1 x 3.0 cm)

Wt: 1.93 oz. (54.8 g)

Mendes Pimentel, Minas Gerais, Brazil

The Smoky Quartz crystals that make up this thumbnail specimen are so heavily intergrown that it is difficult to separate one from another. All are in very good condition, showing little human-induced damage, and have a highly warped but still definitely hexagonal prismatic form. Their edges are well-defined, and their faces are clean and possess the standard vitreous luster. All have an uneven brown coloration that concentrates in phantoms beneath the surface of each crystal. They are transparent and basically clear, though some of the Smoky Quartz that serves as a base is milky and translucent. Such intergrowth and warped form often earns such pieces the label Elestial Quartz.

Dims: 4.0 x 3.9 x 2.7" (10.2 x 9.9 x 6.9 cm)

Wt: 1 lb., 3.4 oz. (549 g)

Puiva, Russia

This large hand specimen consists of 4 intergrown Smoky Quartz crystals. These crystals range in size from 1.5 x 1.2 x 0.7" (3.8 x 3.0 x 1.8 cm) to 3.9 x 2.7 x 1.8" (9.9 x 6.9 x 4.6 cm). The largest is much larger than the others, which are slightly to moderately intergrown with it, and only it and one other crystal are intact, as the others are damaged and incomplete. The large crystal has a small amount of damage on one spot at the base of its termination, but is otherwise in very good condition- one side of it shows a large, partly-healed scar left when it was separated from another crystal. All have excellent hexagonal prismatic form and pyramidal terminations. Their edges are well-defined and their faces are striated but clean, possessing the standard vitreous luster. Their color ranges from a pale to a moderately pale brown, with the largest crystal having the darkest color. All are likewise transparent and moderately clear, showing many veil-like inclusions and small internal fractures. There is no host rock present, but a few small bits of a thin calcite crust are scattered about the piece.

Dims: 2.3 x 1.9 x 1.6" (5.8 x 4.8 x 4.1 cm)

Wt: 3.40 oz. (96.6 g)

Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan

One of a few Afghani specimens that we have in stock, this piece consists of 2 or 3 complete Smoky Quartz crystals that are embedded in an albite host. Two of these crystals are almost completely obscured by the surrounding host rock, but the third and largest crystal is quite exposed and has visible dimensions of 2.0 x 1.5 x 1.0" (5.1 x 3.8 x 2.5 cm). All are in good condition, showing only minor damage on their terminations, and have excellent hexagonal prismatic form with pyramidal terminations. Their brown color is moderately dark for their size, and all are transparent and partly clear due to heavy internal fracturing and several veil-like or cloudy inclusions. They are accompanied by at least 11 distinct pseudohexagonal muscovite books that are in very good condition and have excellent form. The albite base is crystalline, but shows no definite form.

Dims: 2.6 x 1.9 x 1.4" (6.6 x 4.8 x 3.6 cm)

Wt: 4.03 oz. (114.2 g)

Resplendor, Minas Gerais, Brazil

This specimen consists of two slightly warped and intergrown Smoky Quartz crystals, both of which were damaged when they were separated from their place of formation. The larger of the two has dimensions nearly equal to those of the piece as a whole, and the smaller is considerably smaller, with dimensions of 1.6 x 0.9 x 0.8" (4.1 x 2.3 x 2.0 cm). Both have a warped, double-terminated hexagonal prismatic form that is often described as elestial- they still have well-defined edges and clean faces, however. Their luster is surprisingly dull, and their color is a patchy, uneven dark brown. Both are transparent and moderately clear, though they contain internal fractures and inclusions. The larger crystal contains several hollows in which rest movable air bubbles, denoting two-phase inclusions. There is no host rock present.

Dims: 8.4 x 7.4 x 6.0" (21.3 x 18.8 x 15.2 cm)

Wt: 6.2 lbs. (2.8 kg)

Puiva, polar Urals, Russia

At least 10 Smoky Quartz crystals are clustered together to make this cabinet specimen. The crystals reach dimensions of 3.7 x 2.8 x 1.6" (9.4 x 7.1 x 4.1 cm) and are in very good condition, though a few show slight damage and 2 or 3 are badly broken. All have excellent hexagonal prismatic form, with well-defined edges and striated but generally clean faces. Three of the crystals, however, are intergrown with muscovite, marcasite, or possibly both. All have a pale smoky color and are transparent and dimly to moderately clear, as they contain many internal fractures and cloudy inclusions. There is no base or host rock of any kind present.

Dims: 3.4 x 2.4 x 2.0" (8.6 x 6.1 x 5.1 cm)

Wt: 9.52 oz. (269.9 g)

Puiva, polar Urals, Russia

This small hand specimen consists of a single Smoky Quartz crystal that is in excellent condition- only a few tiny chips along its termination edge are present- even its breakage surface, where it was separated from its place of formation, is considerably healed. Its hexagonal prismatic form is excellent- all edges are well-defined and all faces are clean. It has the classic pale brown coloration and vitreous luster of Smoky Quartz, though a few faces are rather dull. It is transparent and contains patches of high clarity, though it does contain many internal fractures and a few veil-like inclusions. There is no trace of a base or host rock.

Dims: 4.3 x 3.0 x 1.2" (10.9 x 7.6 x 3.0 cm)

Wt: 5.59 oz. (158.5 g)

Puiva, polar Urals, Russia

It would take too much time for me to count all of the Smoky Quartz crystals that rest on the brown host rock of this hand specimen- there are at least 100. They range in length from less than 0.1" (3 mm) up to 1.8" (4.6 cm) and are all in surprisingly good condition, as there is very little visible damage present. All have excellent hexagonal prismatic form, with well-defined edges and faces that are nearly free of striation. However, they are lightly dusted with almost microscopic crystals of either chlorite or muscovite. All have a pale brown color and a slightly dull vitreous luster, and are transparent and quite clear. The base on which they rest is made up primarily of a dull gray rock, though it is nearly completely covered by the Smoky Quartz, pyrite or some other metallic sulfide, and more of the chlorite or muscovite, though the crystals are large enough to be studied under low magnification.

Dims: 3.3 x 2.2 x 1.7" (8.4 x 5.6 x 4.3 cm)

Wt: 9.05 oz. (256.7 g)

Puiva, polar Urals, Russia

A single Smoky Quartz prism makes up this hand specimen. The crystal is in excellent condition, showing only a very small amount of damage, and has excellent hexagonal prismatic form. Its termination has been slightly split, so that there are two termination tips arranged side-by-side. There is one large breakage area near its base, but this has been partly healed over. The Smoky Quartz has a rather pale brown coloration and the standard vitreous luster, and is transparent and relatively clear, as it contains a few veil-like inclusions and many internal fractures. There is no base or host rock of any sort present.

Dims: 1.7 x 1.1 x 1.0" (4.3 x 2.8 x 2.5 cm)

Wt: 1.44 oz. (40.9 g)

Dodo, polar Urals, Russia

A single Smoky Quartz prism comprises this thumbnail specimen. It is in excellent condtion, showing only a small amount of damage on its termination, and has excellent hexagonal prismatic form, with well-define edges and clean faces that possess the standard vitreous luster. Its brown color is rather dark for its small size, and it is transparent and very clear, though it does contain a few veil-like inclusions and internal fractures. There is no host rock present.

Dims: 7.2 x 4.2 x 3.2" (18.3 x 10.7 x 8.1 cm

Wt: 3 lbs., 5.4 oz. (1.514 kg)

Puiva, polar Urals, Russia

Nearly 100 Smoky Quartz crystals rest on the schist host rock of this cabinet specimen. These crystals range in length from a few millimeters to 1.7" (4.3 cm) and are generally in very good condition, as damage is minor and not widespread. All have excellent hexagonal prismatic form, with well-defined edges and clean faces, some of which are very lightly dusted with superfine crystals or some type of sparkling dust. Their color ranges from a pale to a deep brown, their luster is vitreous, and all are transparent and quite clear. There are small patches of what look like tiny chalcopyrite or marcasite crystals among the Smoky Quartzes, and I am pretty sure that the host rock is made up of a finely-grained schist.

Dims: 3.1 x 2.8 x 1.9" (7.9 x 7.1 x 4.8 cm)

Wt: 6.91 oz. (196.2 g)

Victoria, Australia

This hand specimen consists of 3 discernable Smoky Quartz crystals that rest in a hollow in the nodular pale brown host rock. These crystals do not exceed 1.3" (3.3 cm) in length and are in moderately good condition, as one is heavily damaged and broken in 2 places. All have reasonably good but heavily warped hexagonal prismatic form that resembles elestial quartz crystals from Brazil. However, their edges are still well-defined and their faces are generally flat and clean. Their smoky color is uneven and occurs in layers that create phantoms, and all are transparent and dimly clear. They are accompanied by at least 20 smaller quartz crystals that are quite cloudy and have a very subtle violet tint. These crystals do not exceed 0.7" (1.8 cm) and have good form. The surrounding host rock strongly resembles shale, but is likely a weathered opalite material.

Dims: 7.2 x 4.7 x 3.4" (18.3 x 11.9 x 8.6 cm)

Wt: 3 lbs., 15.9 oz. (1.812 kg)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

A cluster of large and heavily intergrown Smoky Quartz crystals rest on the feldspar base of this cabinet specimen. Most of these crystals appear to be damaged to some degree, but most of the damage does not appear to be fresh. The largest crystal has visible dimensions of 3.4 x 3.1 x 1.7" (8.6 x 7.9 x 4.3 cm), and like all of the others, has well-defined but highly disseminated form- one could conceivably call it elestial, as all of the crystals have edges and faces that tend to form "sawtooth" patterns. Otherwise, each has well-defined edges and clean faces that possess a rather dull, pearly luster. They all have a very dark brown color that is nearly opaque. Their opacity is helped by the presence of many internal fractures, several of which reach their surfaces. The base material is almost definitely a feldspar, but th demarcation line between the feldspar and the Smoky Quartz is very difficult to determine due to a very gradual change in color and similar visual properties.

Dims: 3.0 x 0.8 x 0.8" (7.6 x 2.0 x 2.0 cm)

Wt: 1.44 oz. (40.9 g)

Hallajuah Junction, California, U.S.A.

This rather odd specimen consists of a single Smoky Quartz "scepter" crystal. The termination and 0.5" (1.3 cm) of adjacent prism length has a larger diameter than the rest of the prism length, so that the crystal appears to have a bulbous "head". It is rather heavily damaged on one side, as a portion of at least one face is broken and missing, and two other faces are visibly damaged. Where intact, though, the crystal has excellent hexagonal prismatic form, with well-defined edges and clean faces. Its luster ranges from vitreous to a rather dull pearly, and its pale brown color fades somewhat towards its termination. It is transparent and dimly to very clear, likewise clouding up towards the termination. There is no host rock present.

Dims: 4.6 x 3.0 x 3.0" (11.7 x 7.6 x 7.6 cm)

Wt: 5.86 oz. (166.1 g)

Mount Ida, Arkansas, U.S.A.

This hand specimen consists of several thin, intersecting crusts off of which extend many small Smoky Quartz crystals. These crystals are generally in very good condition- only a few are obviously damaged and broken- and reach lengths of up to 1" (2.5 cm). All have excellent hexagonal prismatic form, with well-defined edges and clean faces. Their dark brown color is not natural- this piece was mined as clear quartz and then irradiated to give it its coloration. All of the crystals have a slightly dull, pearly-to-vitreous luster and are transparent and moderately to very clear. The crusts from which they extend are also made of Smoky Quartz, and there is no other material present.

Dims: 2.0 x 1.7 x 1.2" (5.1 x 4.3 x 3.0 cm)

Wt: 1.43 oz. (40.6 g) w/ base

Sceptre Claims, Emerald Lake, Yukon, Canada

This small hand specimen consists of a cluster of scores of small Smoky Quartz crystals. These crystals are generally in good condition- damage seems to be minimal- and reach visible lengths of 0.6" (1.5 cm). Their hexagonal prismatic form is quite good, even though most are intergrown to some degree- a few small, intergrown groups can almost be called "gwindle formations". All have a moderately pale brown coloration and a rather dull, pearly luster, and are transparent and moderately clear. They are accompanied by scores of fine Schorl crystals, most of which are likely broken and incomplete due to their fineness. There is no host rock present, and the specimen is hot-glued to a flat acrylic base.

Dims: 2.4 x 1.6 x 1.1" (6.1 x 4.1 x 2.8 cm)

Wt: 2.61 oz. (74.2 g)

Brandburg, Namibia

This intriguing hand specimen consists of a single crystal of "elestial" Smoky Quartz that is in excellent condition. The crystal may actually consist of two or more crystals that grew together, but a single, large termination comprises one end. The other end is made up of several smaller terminations, all of which are complete. Many of the faces and edges are naturally pitted and uneven due to the evidently bizarre growing conditions. Its color is also odd, in that the single, large termination has a moderate brown color that quickly fades to colorless halfway towards the opposing terminations. It has a vitreous luster and is transparent and dimly clear due to many air bubbles and geometrically-arranged solid inclusions. There is no host rock of any sort present.

Dims: 7.7 x 4.9 x 3.5" (19.6 x 12.5 x 8.8 cm)

Wt: 3 lbs., 2.1 oz. (1.419 kg)

Minas Gerais, Brazil

This intriguing cabinet specimen consists of a cluster of oddly-shaped and heavily-intergrown Smoky Quartz crystals. These crystals are generally in excellent condition, showing only a small amount of fresh damage, and reach 2.9 x 2.1 x 1.6" (7.3 x 5.3 x 4.0 cm) in size. Their hexagonal prismatic form is good in some areas and is discernable in all the crystals, but shows definite irregularities and lack of symmetry- such crystals are sometimes referred to as Elestial Quartz. All of the crystals have a pale brown coloration and a rather dull, pearly luster and are dimly transparent at best, being generally cloudy. Each is partly covered with a very thin, dull pale green crust that I cannot identify.

Dims: 4.5 x 2.7 x 2.3" (11.4 x 6.9 x 5.8 cm)

Wt: 9.52 oz. (269.8 g)

Namibia

This large hand specimen consists of a base of cleavlandite, albite, and muscovite off of which extend hundreds of Smoky Quartz crystals. The largest crystal has dimensions of 1.6 x 1.6 x 0.9" (4.1 x 4.0 x 2.4 cm) and is the only one that exceeds 0.3" (0.8 cm) in length- almost all of them do not exceed 0.1" (3 mm). All appear to be in excellent condition, however, and have excellent hexagonal prismatic form. The large crystal has a relatively pale brown color, and the smaller ones are nearly colorless. All are rather dull in luster due to smatterings of a very thin coating, but appear to be transparent and quite clear. The tiny crystals have grown almost exclusively between the cleavlandite blades, though a few extend from the odd muscovite formations.

Dims: 2.3 x 1.9 x 1.6" (5.8 x 4.8 x 4.1 cm)

Wt: 3.40 oz. (96.6 g)

Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan

Two Smoky Quartz crystals are attached to the pegmatite host rock of this hand specimen. The larger of these crystals measures 1.9 x 1.4 x 0.9" (4.7 x 3.5 x 2.3 cm), and like the other, is in good condition, showing only minor damage near its termination. Both have very good hexgonal prismatic form and a moderately pale brown color. They are transparent and dimly to moderately clear due to internal fracturing. Extending from both the crystals and the pegmatite host are several monoclinic muscovite "books" that are in good condition and have monoclinic "diamond-shaped" form that is slightly rounded but still quite good.

Dims: 2.0 x 0.9 x 0.6" (5.0 x 2.3 x 1.6 cm)

Wt: 16 g w/ base

Mount Saint Hilaire, Quebec, Canada

This rather interesting little specimen consists of a small cluster of Smoky Quartz crystals that rests on a pseudomorphed aegirine prism. Aside from the small cluster, there appear to be many more, tiny Smoky Quartzes that rest against the pseudomorph base. The 3 crystals that make up the cluster are in excellent condition, showing no damage, and do not exceed 0.3" (8 mm) in length or 0.2" (5 mm) in diameter. All have a dark but uneven smoky brown coloration and the standard vitreous luster, and are transparent and moderately clear, containing several visible flaws. The pseudomorphed base is the most interesting aspect- apparently, the aegirine was replaced by more Smoky Quartz, which has a pale brown color, dull luster, and complete opacity. The piece is hot-glued onto a flat acrylic base.

Dims: 1.5 x 1.0 x 1.0" (3.7 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm)

Wt: 19 g w/ base

Mount Saint Hilaire, Quebec, Canada

Three intersecting Smoky Quartz crystals rest on the crystalline microcline base of this small hand specimen. One crystal is far larger than the rest, having dimensions of 1.3 x 0.7 x 0.6" (3.2 x 1.8 x 1.5 cm), and like the others is in excellent condition. Though one of its two terminations is interrupted by the microcline, its hexagonal prismatic form is very good, showing some slight growth inconsistencies and patterns. Its deep brown color and vitreous luster are standard, and it is dimly transparent in some places. It rests on a base made up of at least 3 intersecting, white microcline crystals that are in turn hot-glued to an acrylic base.

Dims: 1.2 x 0.9 x 0.8" (2.9 x 2.3 x 2.1 cm)

Wt: 11 g w/ base

Mount Saint Hilaire, Quebec, Canada

This thumbnail piece consists of a single Smoky Quartz crystal that rests on a quartz base. The Smoky Quartz is in excellent condition, showing almost no damage, and has dimensions of 1.2 x 0.5 x 0.4" (2.9 x 1.2 x 1.0 cm). Its hexagonal prismatic form is excellent, and it is doubly-terminated, though one termination is somewhat warped. Its brown color fades from one end to the other, and its vitreous luster is standard. The crystal is transparent and clear enough at its pale end to see a definite air bubble inside. The quartz base on which it rests is unusual, as the quartz is a product of pseudomorphism after aegirine. The specimen is hot-glued to an acrylic base.

Dims: 1.4 x 1.4 x 1.2" (3.6 x 3.5 x 2.9 cm)

Wt: 1.3 oz. (38 g)

Crystal Creek, Florissant, Teller County, Colorado, U.S.A.

A cluster of 2 or 3 Smoky Quartz crystals makes up this hand specimen. These crystals reach lengths of 1.3" (3.3 cm) and are in good condition, showing minor damage at their termination tips. Both have excellent hexagonal prismatic form with some evidence of intergrowth. Their surfaces have a dull, nearly matte luster and they are transparent and clear enough so that one can see the phantom zonation of their brown color. Both partial and complete microcline "amazonite" and albite crystals are gathered around its base, making up the base material.

Dims: 1.6 x 0.7 x 0.5" (4.0 x 1.7 x 1.3 cm)

Wt: 0.1 oz. (4 g)

Mount Saint Hilaire, Quebec, Canada

A single Smoky Quartz crystal rests on the quartz base of this intriguing thumbnail piece. The crystal is in excellent condition, showing no damage, and has dimensions of 0.4 x 0.4 x 0.3" (1.1 x 1.0 x 0.7 cm). Its short, stubby hexagonal prismatic form is good, and its dark brown color and vitreous luster are standard for the specie. The base on which it rests adds much to the piece - it is made up of a single quartz crystal that pseudomorphed from aegirine, retaining the monoclinic form of the latter, but gaining a rather dull gray color and dull luster.

Dims:5.0x4.1x3.0" (12.7x10.4x7.6 cm)

Wt: 14.3oz. (405g)

Sao Geraldo do Baixio, Minas Gerais, Brazil

This specimen consists of a large, well-formed light smoky quartz crystal thrusting up from a matrix of albite and muscovite mica. There is one small chip out of the side of this specimen, and small inclusions of foreign material give the tip a frosted appearance in spots. The smoky quartz crystal is 4.6" in length (11.7cm). Several small internal fractures lend this specimen character. The muscovite on the base shows relatively good form; one of these "books" reaches 3" in diameter (7.6 cm).

Dims:3.3x3.0x1.7" (8.4x7.6x4.3 cm)

Wt: 9.6oz. (272g)

Genipapo Mine, near Aracuai, Minas Gerais, Brazil

This specimen consists of an intergrown cluster of clear to light smoky quartz crystals on a milky quartz matrix. Several of these crystals are double terminated, and at least two show faint amethyst color at the tips. The largest crystal measures 1.5" (3.8cm) in length. The tips are chipped on at least two of these crystals; others in the cluster range from undamaged to heavily damaged.

Dims:5.2x2.9x1.8" (13.2x7.4x4.6 cm)

Wt: 10.9oz. (308g)

Nova Belem, Minas Gerais, Brazil

This specimen consists of a double crystal of smoky quartz with no matrix present. The color ranges from a rich brown at the base of the crystals to nearly clear at the tips. This piece is highly translucent when held up to a light. There is only very minor damage to this specimen, at the base and tips of the crystal. This piece "sits up" and displays quite nicely.

Dims:7.6x3.9x2.7" (19.3x9.9x6.9 cm)

Wt: 28.8oz. (817g)

Nova Belem. Minas Gerais, Brazil

This specimen is a single large smoky quartz crystal that exhibits an interesting flattened appearance. There is a small amount of quartz matrix visible at the base of this piece. The crystal is almost completely transparent when held up to a light. There is some contact damage at the base and on the back of this specimen, but it does not detract at all from the visual impact of this piece. The termination of this crystal is an undamaged "chisel" point.

Dims:5.4x3.6x3.6" (13.7x9.1x9.1 cm)

Wt: 30.3oz. (859g)

Nova Belem, Minas Gerais, Brazil

This specimen consists of a cluster of several smoky quartz crystals intergrown with muscovite mica and albite-a pegmatite piece. The largest crystal in this cluster measures 4.4x1.7" (11.2x4.3cm). All of the crystals show a golden-smoky color and are nearly completely transparent. Most of the crystals in this cluster show some damage in varying degrees; however, two of the smaller crystals on one side appear to be damage-free.

Dims: 3.3x1.9x1.5" (8.4x4.8x3.3 cm)

Wt: 5.1 oz. (143.8g)

Sceptre Claims, Emerald Lake, Yukon, Canada

This is a hand specimen of smoky quartz from Emerald Lake in Canada. The color is dark enough that the crystals are dimly translucent, although some areas are colorless and transparent. The individual crystals in this cluster are all rather stubby (wide for their length). I beleive that this is really a single crystal with multiple terminations, rather than a cluster of intergrown crystals, because all of the faces are perfectly aligned. And while the surface has many imprefections, there is only a tiny area showing an unhealed fracture pattern - the rest appears natural, and if this specimen did break from its host, the damage healed as the crystal continued to grow.

Dims: 2.98x1.66x1.59" (7.57x4.22x4.04cm)

Wt: 2.66oz (75.4g)

St. Gothard, Switzerland

This is a cluster of natural smoky quartz crystals. Superficially, they appear translucent, but this is due to a rough surface texture - the quartz has a finely pitted surface. Some facets are more deeply pitted than others, especially the terminations, which also have other minerals embedded in the pits (there are tiny specs of both black and white minerals present).

Dims: 13.8x13.0x10.6" (35x33x27cm)

Wt: 60lbs (27kg)

Babu, Guangxi Provence, China

Huge and awesome, this cluster of smoky quartz crystals is quite spectacular. The individual crystals are giant (several exceed 9" in length), translucent, and a light to dark smoky gray color. They rest on an albite base, whose creamy color provides a nice contrast. The crystals are hexagonal and prismatic, wider at their bases and tapering slightly towards the terminations. There is very little damage although one large crystal is missing the last inch of its tip. The surface coloration has multiple pale areas, often in horizontal bands around the crystals, and this gives a slightly dirty appearance to the specimen.

Dims: 4.25x2.81x1.12" (10.80x7.13x2.84cm)

Wt: 9.84oz (279g)

Do-Do mine, Tyumen oblast, Prepolar Ural Mountains, Russia

This is a "gwindel" quartz cluster, a nearly parallel growth of smoky quartz crystals, each rotated slightly relative to the one beside it. The total rotation is about 30 degrees. The smoky quartz crystals are relatively pale, and quite transparent. Several of them are doubly-terminated, and all have a complex surface growth pattern, typical of gwindels. This specimen is nearly undamaged, except for the base where it was separated from its host rock, and an area of contact damage on one side (perhaps 2cm on a side) that still has some brown staining and bits of the rock attached.

dims mm=58.94x46.35x42.00

wt g=86.0

Magaliesberg Mtn Range, Kwa Ndebele, South Africa

While this specimen originates from a mine known for its "cactus amethyst", it is a smoky gray with only a hint of purple, so I have chosen to characterize it as a "smoky quartz". It is a very nice specimen, as 5 prismatic smoky quartz crystals rise above the matrix and have their sides coated with a druze of tiny smoky quartz crystals, resulting in a "smoky cactus quartz" specimen. It displays very nicely.