Smoky Quartz with Amethyst Crystal Specimen

SMOKY QUARTZ with AMETHYST

QUARTZ (var. SMOKY)

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: Smoky quartz is the smoky-gray, brown, or near-black gem variety of quartz.  Its name alludes to its color.  Gem-quality, smoky quartz is fairly common with collecting localities in Brazil, Switzerland, Scotland, Japan, Russia, and the United States (Maine, Colorado, New Hampshire, North Carolina, California).

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: The physical properties of smoky quartz are the same as those of quartz [silicon dioxide, SiO₂], with the exception of its diagnostic smoky-gray to brown and near-black colors which are created by the effects of natural geophysical radiation.  Smoky quartz crystallizes in the hexagonal system and occurs mainly in granite pegmatites as short-to-long, horizontally striated, hexagonal, prismatic crystals with pyramidal terminations and good transparency.  It has a Mohs hardness of 7.0, conchoidal fracture, vitreous luster, and specific gravity of 2.65.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: In ancient times, smoky quartz was thought to cure infertility and generally benefit the reproductive organs.  Modern metaphysical practitioners believe that smoky quartz protects against harmful radiation, while enhancing the beneficial effects of medical radiation treatments.  It also helps to overcome nightmares, depression, and ambivalence.  Smoky quartz is a popular gemstone and is faceted into gems, often of 10 or more carats.

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Smoky quartz is collected for its unusual colors, transparency, high degree of crystal development, and frequent association in composite specimens with such other pegmatite minerals as muscovite, albite, and the amazonite variety of microcline.

QUARTZ (var. AMETHYST)

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES:  Amethyst has served as a gemstone since ancient times.  Its name stems from the Greek amethystos, meaning “remedy against drunkenness,” alluding to its purported power to prevent inebriation.  Important amethyst localities are found in Brazil, Uruguay, Pakistan, Russia, Namibia, and the United States (Arizona, Colorado).

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: Amethyst, pronounced AHH-ma-thist, is the transparent, purple, gem variety of macrocrystalline quartz [silicon dioxide, SiO₂).  It crystallizes in the hexagonal system and occurs mainly in hydrothermal veins, granite pegmatites, and as geode linings as short-to-long, hexagonal, prismatic crystals with a distinctive and diagnostic purple or lilac color that is caused by traces of iron.  It has a Mohs hardness of 7.0, excellent transparency, conchoidal fracture, vitreous luster, and specific gravity of 2.65.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: Over the centuries, many cultures have endowed amethyst with supernatural powers that bring good luck, ensure constancy, and protect against homesickness, magical spells, and drunkenness.  Amethyst is the most highly valued member of the quartz-gemstone group and is faceted into gems that can weigh 10 or more carats.  Massive amethyst or stones of lesser quality are tumbled into beads, fashioned into cabochons, or cut into decorative items.

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Amethyst is widely collected for its range of purple-lilac colors, excellent crystal development, and frequent occurrence on large crystal plates and geodes that make eye-catching display pieces.

QUARTZ (var. ROCK CRYSTAL)

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: Rock crystal, which is common and occurs worldwide, has been collected since prehistory.  Notable collecting localities are found in India, Brazil, Germany, Peru, Bolivia, Namibia, Russia, and the United States (Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Connecticut, Virginia).

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: Rock crystal is the transparent, colorless variety of macrocrystalline quartz [silicon dioxide, SiO₂).  The word “quartz” is believed to have originated with the Slavic kwardy, meaning “hard,” in allusion to its substantial hardness.  It crystallizes in the hexagonal system and occurs mainly in hydrothermal veins, granite pegmatites, and as geode linings as short-to-long, horizontally striated, hexagonal, prismatic crystals with pyramidal terminations and distinctive, water-clear transparency.  It has a Mohs hardness of 7.0, a conchoidal fracture, vitreous luster, and specific gravity of 2.65.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: Rock crystal has since antiquity been one of the most widely collected of all minerals.  It has served as a gemstone and ornamental stone in many cultures.  Until quartz was synthesized in the 1960s, rock crystal was vital to electronic frequency controls, filters, and timing devices. Modern metaphysical practitioners call rock crystal the “universal crystal” because of its numerous abilities to sharpen insight, enhance spiritual development, improve concentration, refine focus, and energize the mind.

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Rock crystal is widely collected for its brilliant transparency, superb hexagonal crystal development, and frequent occurrence on large plates and in geodes to make interesting display pieces.