Unpolished Smoky Quartz Crystal
Known for its large crystals which are often transparent, smoky quartz occurs in several countries around the world.
Although relatively hard, smoky quartz is brittle so must be handled carefully. Its colour is caused primarily by natural radiation. It does have a tendency to fade if exposed to sunlight for any length of time.
Smoky quartz and smoky topaz are often looked upon as being one and the same. Topaz and quartz and two completely different minerals.
Some smoky quartz being sold is clear quartz that's been irradiated (heated). This changes the colour to a yellowish brown. This colour of this smoky quartz crystal is natural.
When held up towards the light this smoky quartz has the most subtle colour. Just a few very subtle inclusions are preventing the crystal from being completely transparent.