Smokey Quartz Facet / Faceting Information
Faceting Information such as reviews, guide, tips and tricks. Choose what best fits the criteria for Smokey Quartz gemstones together with helpful details.
1 Minute Read
Smokey Quartz Facet / Faceting Information
Smokey (Quartz)
Color: Smokey grey, yellow to peach tint
Moh's Hardness: 7
Refractive Index: 1.544-1.553
Critical Angle: 40.49°
Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.65
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal
Dispersion: .013
Heat Sensitivity: Can be but is usually not a problem
Dichroism: none
Birefringence (double refraction): Weak (.009)
Crystal structure: Hexagonal
Treatments: Generally none. Some material is irradiated from clear Quartz. Some material is heated lighter.
What I prefer to polishing with: Cerium oxide with a Spectra Ultralap.
Jeff's Comments: Cuts and polishes like any other Quartz, usually no problems. I like to use a 1200 Nu Bond lap for pre-polish, it makes the polishing stage faster and easier. Some of the yellow/peach Smokey material can be very pretty and this type of material is not common. Can be expensive for top material, but most Smokey Quartz is not costly.
Design Notes: About any Quartz design will work well. As the rough gets more saturated, I prefer checker boards and bar cuts. I prefer to cut large clear Quartz, they are actually pretty impressive, especially for material that costs almost nothing.
Design Links: 4-Way Stop - This is great for saturated rough if you have a piece that will work in the shape.
Be Still My Heart - Good in about any Quartz
CheckMate - Neat in medium color Quartz
Light House - Nice in any Quartz
Utopia - Classic Barion pear
Jeff R. Graham
The late Jeff Graham was a prolific faceter, creator of many original faceting designs, and the author of several highly-regarded instructional faceting books such as Gram Faceting Designs.
Related Articles
Smoky Quartz Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Quartz Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
How Does Quartz Form?
What is Gemstone Luminescence?
Latest Articles
Classic Engagement Ring Stones
Broken Bangle — The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature: Book Review
Cuprite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Gemstone Radiation Treatment
Never Stop Learning
When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.
Get Gemology Insights
Get started with the International Gem Society’s free guide to gemstone identification. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist!