Smoky Quartz Gemstone Bead, Round, 8mm (strand)

Brownish smoky quartz beads are almost always cut from rock crystal quartz that has been heat-treated to produce this coveted color (ours included). Tones of smoky quartz range from yellowish to deep translucent brown. Good specimens of natural untreated smoky quartz do exist, but are difficult to find. Smoky quartz semiprecious beads are also known in the market as cairngorm, Colorado diamond, morion, radium diamond, and smoky citrine. In Sri Lanka, many quartz varieties are called "topaz," including smoky quartz (which is called smoky topaz). The dealers are usually not intending to mislead, but when they say "topaz" they simply mean quartz.

Smoky quartz is believed to help ground oneself and remove negativity. It is said to enhance survival instincts, and help wearers reach personal and business goals. Some say smoky quartz is also good for dealing with hyperactivity and attention-deficit disorder.

Find related items below, and find out more about quartz in our Gemstone Index.