Madagascar smoky quartz (XL pebble)

Smoky quartz belongs to the large family of microcrystalline quartz. This smoky color, with all shades of brown up to black, is due to the natural irradiation of the aluminum salts it contains. In fact, this color is caused by the presence of radioactivity in the natural environment where the mineral evolved.

This rock crystal is a silicon dioxide and comes from magmatic formation. It has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. It is often translucent, rarely opaque, with a vitreous luster.

The etymology of the name crystal comes from the ancient Greek “krystallos” meaning ice, used by the Greek Theophrastus around 325 / 300 BC. He indicates that at that time, rock crystal was thought to be ice solidified by the gods. The Greeks attributed rock crystal as an offering to Gaia, the mother goddess, maternal ancestor of the divine races.

There are very few stories and no legends regarding smoky rock crystal, also called smoky quartz.

In contrast, in 12th-century China, smoked rock crystal lenses were used to make the first sunglasses. In reality, their purpose wasn't to protect the eyes from the sun, but to hide them. At that time, these lenses were intended for Chinese judges, who were expected to keep their emotions hidden and maintain a completely impassive expression. Thus, during trials, judges appeared completely impartial.

At the same time, in Tibet, glasses made of smoked rock crystal were used to protect the eyes from the reflection of rays on the snow.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, smoky quartz or smoky rock crystal was widely used in Scotland to make brooches and daggers. The brooches were used to decorate kilts, and the daggers had to match them. Highlanders traditionally wore these daggers inside their socks, leaving the handle, made of the same material as the brooch, protruding. In Braemar Castle, located in the north of Scotland, there is a huge smoky rock crystal weighing over 23 kg.

Later, in the 19th century, fortune tellers replaced their clear rock crystal balls with smoky rock crystal balls. They believed that the smoky rock crystal helped conceal the oracles revealed by their divining balls from the eyes of the uninitiated.

Today, smoky rock crystal is used by jewelers in the creation of their jewelry and sometimes in the sculpture of decorative objects. The most intense and translucent smoky colors, without inclusions, are the most appreciated. It is worth noting that the beauty of smoky rock crystal is particularly enhanced by sunlight.

The main deposits are located in Brazil, the United States, Madagascar, etc.

Smoky rock crystal is perfect for people who find transparent white rock crystals too powerful. This mineral promotes clarity and calms strong emotions that can interfere with decision-making. It also improves concentration.

This smoky rock crystal wards off negative thoughts and states of intense sadness. It helps overcome fears and anxieties. It allows you to move forward and restores self-confidence. Furthermore, it develops openness to others, strengthens compassion and listening skills. It gives you the strength to handle life's various obstacles.

This stone is a grounding stone. It facilitates connection to the Earth and true values. It allows for a better connection between body and mind and provides calm. This serenity removes doubts, removes contradictions, and increases harmony. It tempers people with overly hot tempers and encourages them to reflect.

Smoky rock crystal can stabilize mood and encourage reflection. This can lead to awareness and the refocusing of energies toward more reasonable, achievable goals. This will prevent disappointment and failure. In fact, it provides stability, structure, and organization.