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Crystal meanings
Smoky Quartz
Smoky Quartz is a naturally smoky variety of quartz, usually translucent brown to grey. In Scotland, smoky quartz is known as cairngorm after the mountains where it was found, and it was set into kilt pins and sgian-dubh. In modern practice it is associated with grounding and steadiness.
Key facts
| Colour | translucent brown to grey |
|---|---|
| What it is | a naturally smoky variety of quartz |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 7 |
| Typical sources | Brazil, Madagascar, the Swiss Alps and Scotland |
| Chakra (tradition) | root |
| Star signs (tradition) | Capricorn and Sagittarius |
Traditions and folklore
In Scotland, smoky quartz is known as cairngorm after the mountains where it was found, and it was set into kilt pins and sgian-dubh. In modern practice it is associated with grounding and steadiness.
Smoky quartz is the national gem of Scotland.
Its colour ranges from pale tea-brown to almost black (called morion).
Often paired with black tourmaline or clear quartz.
Care
Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry it straight away; avoid soaps, salt and long soaks.
Natural quartz darkened by natural radiation in the ground.
Shop smoky quartz (3 pieces, 3 in stock)
Smoky Quartz: questions answered
What is Smoky Quartz?
Smoky Quartz is a naturally smoky variety of quartz. It is usually translucent brown to grey.
What is Smoky Quartz traditionally associated with?
In Scotland, smoky quartz is known as cairngorm after the mountains where it was found, and it was set into kilt pins and sgian-dubh. In modern practice it is associated with grounding and steadiness. These are traditional and spiritual associations, not health claims.
How do I care for Smoky Quartz?
Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry it straight away; avoid soaps, salt and long soaks.
Which star signs is Smoky Quartz linked with?
In modern crystal tradition smoky quartz is linked with Capricorn and Sagittarius.
Where does Smoky Quartz come from?
It is typically sourced from Brazil, Madagascar, the Swiss Alps and Scotland.