Hardness: 7.00
Refractive Index: 1.54-1.55
Specific Gravity: 2.65
Birthstone:
Astral Stone: Libra, Capricorn
Anniversary Stone:
Origination: Like some other members of the quartz mineral group, smoky quartz is found worldwide. Large deposits occur in Brazil, Australia, the former Russia, Switzerland & the United States.
Care & Cleaning: Clean with a soft polishing cloth, plain water rinse, mild solution of soap & water or commercial jewelry cleaner.
Fiction, Facts & Folklore:
Smoky quartz is almost always heated to bring forth its� color.
When heated, smoky quartz will sometimes produce a light yellow citrine. In fact, some crystals heat to a brown and yellow combination, known in the industry as �smoketrine�. Unlike ametrine, this is most often a man-made material.
The very darkest variety of smoky quartz is known in the trades as "Morion."
Manufacturers have found that exposing rock crystal to heat will produce a quartz of similar color and greater brilliance than smoky quartz.
In its brown state, smoky quartz has been confused with andalusite, smoky topaz and a tourmaline gem of similar color.
Consumers should note that smoky quartz is sometimes passed off as one of these three gems, smoky topaz in particular, although smoky quartz is not as costly as any of these three other gems.
Arkansas and New Jersey are two of the most important domestic sources for smoky quartz.
At one time, smoky quartz was the international gemstone of Scotland.
Some believe that smoky quartz helps one get through depression, hopelessness, and grief.
It gives one initiative and will power, while taking away our fears and low spirits.
Because it is a stone that restores sensibility, smoky quartz is considered by some to be a gem that is ideal for kicking drug addiction, smoking and drinking habits.