Smoky Quartz
A guide for the history, meaning, metaphysical uses, purposes, crystal healing, and properties of the Druid's Stone, Smoky Quartz.
Stone for Power
Whether it be a wisp or a plume, the smoke trapped within this crystal has been destined to stay there for an eternity. But is it really smoke, or is it just the highland mist?
History of the Stone
Despite its cool, dark, and rather interesting appearance, smoky quartz was not a popular variety throughout history. It was fairly common, but it was not fairly loved, except by those in Scotland. It was a stone meant for these highland warriors who might decorate their weapons or use them in accessories. Others would wear it as a stone to improve their craftsmanship and keep them safe from disease. For more medical oriented work, some claim that it was used to cauterize wounds. This was done by using it in the manner one would use a burning-glass. There are legends of Scottish druids or shamans using the stone in their rituals, too.
Scientific Information
Quartz Pronunciation: /kwɔrts/ or /kwɔrtz/ (kwort-z/s).
Quartz Misspellings: Quarts
Hardness: 7
Lustre: Vitreous
Crystal System: Trigonal
Etymology: A combination of smoky and quartz. It is sometimes referred to as Cairngorm, a name referring to the mountains from which it is frequently mined. And less commonly it is referred to as Scotch Topaz or Scottish Topaz. In other languages it is sometimes referred to as Morion.
Location: Global, but great pieces come from the Cairngorms.
Metaphysical Properties
Smoky Quartz remains as a good stone for diviners or for those who love rituals and ceremonies. The stone was frequently used for such acts in the past and it still lives in its prime for such things. Some ancients believed the stone to help guide those in the afterlife, so some use it today to connect with the spirit world.
We may not have ever bit of history, but we can try to do what the Scottish druids did!
The Wrap Up
And here we are. After swimming through that sea of smoke we find the light. Smoky quartz may not have been popular to every culture or every society, but we could at least find one group of people who loved the stone as much as we do!
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Crystals and gemstones are nature's true beauties, but they are not a substitute for seeking professional medical, legal, health, or financial advice. Crystals and gemstones are to be used in conjunction with any professional care you are receiving and do not provide healing, cures, or other remedies modern medicine can provide. The information provided in our listings with regard to the powers of crystals and gemstones are all derived from personal & professional experience with crystals & gems as well as ancient wisdom and texts documenting knowledge gained from civilizations around the world. They are not backed by the FDA or scientific/government resources. Our crystals & gemstones are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or malady. Our crystals and gemstones are also not a replacement for seeking professional legal advice, financial advising, or any other field of professional expertise. Crystals and gemstones are intended to be appreciated for their natural power and beauty, and used alongside modern, professional methods.
Sources
Kozminsky, Isidore. The Magic and Science of Jewels and Stones. New York, The Knickerbocker Press, 1922.
Kunz, George Frederick. The Curious Lore of Precious Stones. Philadelphia, J. B. Lippincott Company, 1913.