The properties of smoky quartz are identical to Quartz  except for

Color: pale grey to dark black, sometimes brownish. Can transition to purple (smoky amethyst) or yellow (smoky citrine). The color is due to natural or induced radiation.

Names: other names for smoky quartz include morion (used for a dark brown to black variety in parts of Europe), and cairngorm (in Scotland, usually a lighter grey to yellowish color).

Energetic properties: The dark color and energy of smoky quartz links it to the root chakra, related to our deep, body knowing of belonging on this physical earth, drawing spiritual energy from the crown down through all the chakras.  As with clear quartz, smoky quartz is a powerful amplifier of energy. The strong sense of rightfully belonging on this Earth enhances feelings of confidence and personal power. It was known as a “stone of power.” By supporting one’s inner, higher strength, it helps protect from external negative energies, allowing them to be released to the Earth and neutralized. Melody, in her book Love Is In The Earth, says smoky quartz can be “used to gently dissolve negative energies and emotional blockages.  It softens negative energy…an excellent grounding stone….It further acts as a protective stone”

Smoky Quartz is the gray, brown to black variety of quartz.  The name refers to its appearance - resembling smoke.  The name Morion is used for black smoky quartz.  Smoky quartz can be faceted as a grey to brown gemstone.  

The mineralogical properties and occurrence of smoky quartz are the same as quartz other than color. Visit the quartz page for more information.

The coloration of smoky quartz is considered to be caused by exposure to natural gamma radiation from host rocks over long periods of time. Trace amounts of Al⁺³ ions that naturally replace a few Si⁺⁴ ions in the lattice form an AlO₄/metal color center, giving rise to the dark color.

Smoky quartz is mainly associated with igneous rocks and pegmatites.  Crystals grown at relatively high-temperatures like those found in pegmatites and alpine-type fissures are often evenly colored, whereas crystals from other environments often show a color zonation in the form of multiple phantoms.  

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