Tamara de Rezende
Smoky quartz is a variety of quartz named for its dark, smoke-like color, and is created when surrounded by rocks containing radioactive elements during formation. The radiation activates aluminum impurities within clear quartz, giving smoky quartz its distinctive color.
A quick guide to SMOKY QUARTZ
| Specification | Details |
| Most Popular Colors | Morion, Cairngorm |
| Most Popular Cut | Oval |
| Hardness | 7 on Mohs Hardness |
What countries produce smoky quartz?
Smoky quartz can be found in many locations around the world, and as a result, is fairly inexpensive. Smoky quartz found in the Cairngorm Mountains of Scotland is named after the mountains and contains a distinctive hue, detailed in the following section.
Top producers include:
- Brazil
- Mozambique
- United States
- Madagascar
- Australia
- Scotland
Shades of smoky quartz
A distinctive characteristic of smoky quartz is the brown or brown-black color. Other color varieties are classified as different types of quartz. An almost black specimen of smoky quartz is given the name ‘Morion’, and is often opaque or semi-translucent.
Cairngorm smoky quartz usually has a yellow-brown color, though some that are grayish-brown have also been found. These stones are used in Scottish jewelry and as decorations on kilts.
Common cuts and notes on durability
Smoky quartz is commonly cut into an oval shape in order to enhance its colors. A hardness of 7 translates to smoky quartz jewelry pieces being durable enough for daily wear.
History, legend, and contemporary trends in jewelry
Smoky quartz is the national gemstone of Scotland, and according to traditional folklore was considered a stone of power, capable of capturing the power of the ancient Earth Gods.
In China during the 12th century, smoky quartz was used as sunglasses once it was discovered that it could protect the wearer’s eyes from the sun’s rays. The stone was cut into thin layers, and created the first examples of modern-day sunglasses.
The use of smoky quartz in jewelry was popularized given its unique color and wide-ranging appeal. Some trends include:
- Mixed Metals: Combining smoky quartz with various metals such as yellow gold, rose gold, silver, or even blackened metals adds contrast and depth to jewelry pieces.
- Layering and Stacking: Layering necklaces, stacking rings, and bracelet layering continue to be popular trends in jewelry styling. Smoky quartz works well in these layered looks, either as a focal point or as part of a complementary gemstone mix.
- Bohemian: Smoky quartz fits well with bohemian and earthy jewelry styles. Pieces featuring organic shapes, rough-cut stones, and intricate metalwork evoke a sense of nature-inspired beauty. These designs often appeal to those seeking a more relaxed and free-spirited aesthetic.
