Smoky Quartz Sphere with Clay Seeded Crystals, and Hematite
Measures Approximately: 3 1/2"
Weighs Approximately: 2 lb .5 oz
Gosh, this sphere is pretty interesting. The clay inclusions give the impression of an interior mountain landscape. The fairy frost has tiny little imbedded crystals and there is a deep cut in from a crystal that once grew into the quartz.
Smoky quartz is a brown to black variety of quartz. According to current theories exposure to natural underground radiation causes trace amounts of trivalent aluminum (Al3+) to replace some of its silicon. This change in its crystal structure creates its color. The name has changed slightly over time. Many historical sources called it “smoked quartz” instead, after its resemblance to smoke cured foods. Since natural irradiated color develops slowly below certain temperatures, smoky quartz tends to be found in specific environments like higher elevations where it had time to slowly darken.
Hematite included quartz is ferruginous, colored red, yellow, or brownish orange by iron oxides like hematite and limonite. It may be natural or heated to enhance the color by reducing its water content like carnelian. The name is derived from the Greek haimatoeides (“resembling blood”).
