{"id":635,"date":"2026-02-02T14:14:21","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T14:14:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawtothecorecrystals.co.uk\/shop\/?post_type=product&#038;p=635"},"modified":"2026-02-02T14:14:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T14:14:22","slug":"smoky-elestial-quartz-black-inclusion","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.rawtothecorecrystals.co.uk\/shop\/product\/smoky-elestial-quartz-black-inclusion\/","title":{"rendered":"Smoky elestial quartz\/black inclusion"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"241\" data-end=\"421\">Smoky elestial quartz is a natural variety of <strong data-start=\"287\" data-end=\"313\">silicon dioxide (SiO\u2082)<\/strong> characterized by smoky coloration and complex, skeletal crystal growth rather than smooth, euhedral points.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"423\" data-end=\"457\">Chemical &amp; Physical Properties<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"458\" data-end=\"757\">\n<li data-start=\"458\" data-end=\"505\">\n<p data-start=\"460\" data-end=\"505\"><strong data-start=\"460\" data-end=\"478\">Mineral class:<\/strong> Silicate (tectosilicate)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"506\" data-end=\"565\">\n<p data-start=\"508\" data-end=\"565\"><strong data-start=\"508\" data-end=\"527\">Crystal system:<\/strong> Trigonal (hexagonal crystal family)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"566\" data-end=\"603\">\n<p data-start=\"568\" data-end=\"603\"><strong data-start=\"568\" data-end=\"581\">Hardness:<\/strong> 7 on the Mohs scale<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"604\" data-end=\"683\">\n<p data-start=\"606\" data-end=\"683\"><strong data-start=\"606\" data-end=\"616\">Color:<\/strong> Light brown to dark brown, gray-brown, occasionally nearly black<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"684\" data-end=\"732\">\n<p data-start=\"686\" data-end=\"732\"><strong data-start=\"686\" data-end=\"703\">Transparency:<\/strong> Transparent to translucent<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"733\" data-end=\"757\">\n<p data-start=\"735\" data-end=\"757\"><strong data-start=\"735\" data-end=\"746\">Luster:<\/strong> Vitreous<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"759\" data-end=\"1116\">The smoky coloration results from <strong data-start=\"793\" data-end=\"823\">natural ionizing radiation<\/strong> acting on trace aluminum impurities within the quartz lattice. This radiation alters the electronic structure, producing color centers responsible for the smoky appearance. Heating can partially or fully remove this coloration, distinguishing natural smoky quartz from some treated specimens.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1118\" data-end=\"1121\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"1123\" data-end=\"1163\">Elestial (Skeletal) Growth Structure<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1165\" data-end=\"1273\">The term <strong data-start=\"1174\" data-end=\"1186\">elestial<\/strong> is descriptive, not a formal mineral species. It refers to quartz crystals exhibiting:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1274\" data-end=\"1400\">\n<li data-start=\"1274\" data-end=\"1315\">\n<p data-start=\"1276\" data-end=\"1315\">Stepped, terraced, or etched surfaces<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1316\" data-end=\"1348\">\n<p data-start=\"1318\" data-end=\"1348\">Layered or plate-like growth<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1349\" data-end=\"1400\">\n<p data-start=\"1351\" data-end=\"1400\">Multiple terminations or partially formed faces<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1402\" data-end=\"1494\">These features develop when crystal growth occurs under <strong data-start=\"1458\" data-end=\"1484\">non-uniform conditions<\/strong>, such as:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1495\" data-end=\"1658\">\n<li data-start=\"1495\" data-end=\"1539\">\n<p data-start=\"1497\" data-end=\"1539\">Rapid changes in temperature or pressure<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1540\" data-end=\"1599\">\n<p data-start=\"1542\" data-end=\"1599\">Fluctuating silica concentration in hydrothermal fluids<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1600\" data-end=\"1658\">\n<p data-start=\"1602\" data-end=\"1658\">Interrupted growth followed by renewed crystallization<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1660\" data-end=\"1790\">Instead of forming smooth faces, the crystal grows unevenly, preserving evidence of its growth history along the crystal surfaces.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1792\" data-end=\"1795\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"1797\" data-end=\"1822\">Formation Environment<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1824\" data-end=\"1906\">Smoky elestial quartz typically forms in <strong data-start=\"1865\" data-end=\"1894\">hydrothermal environments<\/strong>, including:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1907\" data-end=\"1994\">\n<li data-start=\"1907\" data-end=\"1921\">\n<p data-start=\"1909\" data-end=\"1921\">Pegmatites<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1922\" data-end=\"1943\">\n<p data-start=\"1924\" data-end=\"1943\">Alpine-type veins<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1944\" data-end=\"1994\">\n<p data-start=\"1946\" data-end=\"1994\">Fractures in granitic or metamorphic host rock<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1996\" data-end=\"2312\">Elestial growth is often associated with <strong data-start=\"2037\" data-end=\"2071\">highly saturated silica fluids<\/strong> that cool or depressurize irregularly. The smoky coloration usually occurs <strong data-start=\"2147\" data-end=\"2174\">after crystal formation<\/strong>, once the quartz has been exposed to natural radiation from surrounding rocks containing radioactive elements such as uranium or thorium.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2314\" data-end=\"2317\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2319\" data-end=\"2340\">Common Localities<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2342\" data-end=\"2366\">Notable sources include:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2367\" data-end=\"2518\">\n<li data-start=\"2367\" data-end=\"2396\">\n<p data-start=\"2369\" data-end=\"2396\"><strong data-start=\"2369\" data-end=\"2379\">Brazil<\/strong> (Minas Gerais)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2397\" data-end=\"2415\">\n<p data-start=\"2399\" data-end=\"2415\"><strong data-start=\"2399\" data-end=\"2413\">Madagascar<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2416\" data-end=\"2463\">\n<p data-start=\"2418\" data-end=\"2463\"><strong data-start=\"2418\" data-end=\"2439\">Himalayan regions<\/strong> (Nepal, India, Tibet)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2464\" data-end=\"2518\">\n<p data-start=\"2466\" data-end=\"2518\"><strong data-start=\"2466\" data-end=\"2483\">United States<\/strong> (Colorado, Arkansas, California)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2520\" data-end=\"2631\">Crystals from different regions may show distinct habits, color intensity, and degrees of skeletal development.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2633\" data-end=\"2636\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2638\" data-end=\"2665\">Geological Significance<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2667\" data-end=\"2750\">Elestial quartz crystals are of interest to collectors and geologists because they:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2751\" data-end=\"2911\">\n<li data-start=\"2751\" data-end=\"2809\">\n<p data-start=\"2753\" data-end=\"2809\">Preserve visible records of changing growth conditions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2810\" data-end=\"2858\">\n<p data-start=\"2812\" data-end=\"2858\">Illustrate non-equilibrium crystal formation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2859\" data-end=\"2911\">\n<p data-start=\"2861\" data-end=\"2911\">Provide insight into hydrothermal fluid dynamics<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2913\" data-end=\"3056\">Their complex morphology contrasts with textbook quartz points, making them valuable examples of <strong data-start=\"3010\" data-end=\"3055\">environmentally influenced crystal growth<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3058\" data-end=\"3061\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"3063\" data-end=\"3074\">Summary<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3076\" data-end=\"3163\">From a geological perspective, smoky elestial quartz is a natural quartz crystal whose:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3164\" data-end=\"3342\">\n<li data-start=\"3164\" data-end=\"3220\">\n<p data-start=\"3166\" data-end=\"3220\">Color results from radiation-induced lattice defects<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3221\" data-end=\"3286\">\n<p data-start=\"3223\" data-end=\"3286\">Structure reflects interrupted and variable growth conditions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3287\" data-end=\"3342\">\n<p data-start=\"3289\" data-end=\"3342\">Morphology records a dynamic geological environment<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3344\" data-end=\"3447\">It is best understood as a <strong data-start=\"3371\" data-end=\"3414\">growth habit and coloration combination<\/strong>, not a separate mineral species.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"241\" data-end=\"421\">Smoky elestial quartz is a natural variety of <strong data-start=\"287\" data-end=\"313\">silicon dioxide (SiO\u2082)<\/strong> characterized by smoky coloration and complex, skeletal crystal growth rather than smooth, euhedral points.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"423\" data-end=\"457\">Chemical &amp; Physical Properties<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"458\" data-end=\"757\">\n<li data-start=\"458\" data-end=\"505\">\n<p data-start=\"460\" data-end=\"505\"><strong data-start=\"460\" data-end=\"478\">Mineral class:<\/strong> Silicate (tectosilicate)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"506\" data-end=\"565\">\n<p data-start=\"508\" data-end=\"565\"><strong data-start=\"508\" data-end=\"527\">Crystal system:<\/strong> Trigonal (hexagonal crystal family)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"566\" data-end=\"603\">\n<p data-start=\"568\" data-end=\"603\"><strong data-start=\"568\" data-end=\"581\">Hardness:<\/strong> 7 on the Mohs scale<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"604\" data-end=\"683\">\n<p data-start=\"606\" data-end=\"683\"><strong data-start=\"606\" data-end=\"616\">Color:<\/strong> Light brown to dark brown, gray-brown, occasionally nearly black<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"684\" data-end=\"732\">\n<p data-start=\"686\" data-end=\"732\"><strong data-start=\"686\" data-end=\"703\">Transparency:<\/strong> Transparent to translucent<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"733\" data-end=\"757\">\n<p data-start=\"735\" data-end=\"757\"><strong data-start=\"735\" data-end=\"746\">Luster:<\/strong> Vitreous<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"759\" data-end=\"1116\">The smoky coloration results from <strong data-start=\"793\" data-end=\"823\">natural ionizing radiation<\/strong> acting on trace aluminum impurities within the quartz lattice. This radiation alters the electronic structure, producing color centers responsible for the smoky appearance. Heating can partially or fully remove this coloration, distinguishing natural smoky quartz from some treated specimens.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1118\" data-end=\"1121\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"1123\" data-end=\"1163\">Elestial (Skeletal) Growth Structure<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1165\" data-end=\"1273\">The term <strong data-start=\"1174\" data-end=\"1186\">elestial<\/strong> is descriptive, not a formal mineral species. It refers to quartz crystals exhibiting:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1274\" data-end=\"1400\">\n<li data-start=\"1274\" data-end=\"1315\">\n<p data-start=\"1276\" data-end=\"1315\">Stepped, terraced, or etched surfaces<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1316\" data-end=\"1348\">\n<p data-start=\"1318\" data-end=\"1348\">Layered or plate-like growth<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1349\" data-end=\"1400\">\n<p data-start=\"1351\" data-end=\"1400\">Multiple terminations or partially formed faces<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1402\" data-end=\"1494\">These features develop when crystal growth occurs under <strong data-start=\"1458\" data-end=\"1484\">non-uniform conditions<\/strong>, such as:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1495\" data-end=\"1658\">\n<li data-start=\"1495\" data-end=\"1539\">\n<p data-start=\"1497\" data-end=\"1539\">Rapid changes in temperature or pressure<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1540\" data-end=\"1599\">\n<p data-start=\"1542\" data-end=\"1599\">Fluctuating silica concentration in hydrothermal fluids<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1600\" data-end=\"1658\">\n<p data-start=\"1602\" data-end=\"1658\">Interrupted growth followed by renewed crystallization<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1660\" data-end=\"1790\">Instead of forming smooth faces, the crystal grows unevenly, preserving evidence of its growth history along the crystal surfaces.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1792\" data-end=\"1795\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"1797\" data-end=\"1822\">Formation Environment<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1824\" data-end=\"1906\">Smoky elestial quartz typically forms in <strong data-start=\"1865\" data-end=\"1894\">hydrothermal environments<\/strong>, including:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1907\" data-end=\"1994\">\n<li data-start=\"1907\" data-end=\"1921\">\n<p data-start=\"1909\" data-end=\"1921\">Pegmatites<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1922\" data-end=\"1943\">\n<p data-start=\"1924\" data-end=\"1943\">Alpine-type veins<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1944\" data-end=\"1994\">\n<p data-start=\"1946\" data-end=\"1994\">Fractures in granitic or metamorphic host rock<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1996\" data-end=\"2312\">Elestial growth is often associated with <strong data-start=\"2037\" data-end=\"2071\">highly saturated silica fluids<\/strong> that cool or depressurize irregularly. The smoky coloration usually occurs <strong data-start=\"2147\" data-end=\"2174\">after crystal formation<\/strong>, once the quartz has been exposed to natural radiation from surrounding rocks containing radioactive elements such as uranium or thorium.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2314\" data-end=\"2317\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2319\" data-end=\"2340\">Common Localities<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2342\" data-end=\"2366\">Notable sources include:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2367\" data-end=\"2518\">\n<li data-start=\"2367\" data-end=\"2396\">\n<p data-start=\"2369\" data-end=\"2396\"><strong data-start=\"2369\" data-end=\"2379\">Brazil<\/strong> (Minas Gerais)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2397\" data-end=\"2415\">\n<p data-start=\"2399\" data-end=\"2415\"><strong data-start=\"2399\" data-end=\"2413\">Madagascar<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2416\" data-end=\"2463\">\n<p data-start=\"2418\" data-end=\"2463\"><strong data-start=\"2418\" data-end=\"2439\">Himalayan regions<\/strong> (Nepal, India, Tibet)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2464\" data-end=\"2518\">\n<p data-start=\"2466\" data-end=\"2518\"><strong data-start=\"2466\" data-end=\"2483\">United States<\/strong> (Colorado, Arkansas, California)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2520\" data-end=\"2631\">Crystals from different regions may show distinct habits, color intensity, and degrees of skeletal development.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2633\" data-end=\"2636\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2638\" data-end=\"2665\">Geological Significance<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2667\" data-end=\"2750\">Elestial quartz crystals are of interest to collectors and geologists because they:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2751\" data-end=\"2911\">\n<li data-start=\"2751\" data-end=\"2809\">\n<p data-start=\"2753\" data-end=\"2809\">Preserve visible records of changing growth conditions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2810\" data-end=\"2858\">\n<p data-start=\"2812\" data-end=\"2858\">Illustrate non-equilibrium crystal formation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2859\" data-end=\"2911\">\n<p data-start=\"2861\" data-end=\"2911\">Provide insight into hydrothermal fluid dynamics<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2913\" data-end=\"3056\">Their complex morphology contrasts with textbook quartz points, making them valuable examples of <strong data-start=\"3010\" data-end=\"3055\">environmentally influenced crystal growth<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3058\" data-end=\"3061\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"3063\" data-end=\"3074\">Summary<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3076\" data-end=\"3163\">From a geological perspective, smoky elestial quartz is a natural quartz crystal whose:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3164\" data-end=\"3342\">\n<li data-start=\"3164\" data-end=\"3220\">\n<p data-start=\"3166\" data-end=\"3220\">Color results from radiation-induced lattice defects<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3221\" data-end=\"3286\">\n<p data-start=\"3223\" data-end=\"3286\">Structure reflects interrupted and variable growth conditions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3287\" data-end=\"3342\">\n<p data-start=\"3289\" data-end=\"3342\">Morphology records a dynamic geological environment<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3344\" data-end=\"3447\">It is best understood as a <strong data-start=\"3371\" data-end=\"3414\">growth habit and coloration combination<\/strong>, not a separate mineral species.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":636,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[24,20,23,25,60],"product_tag":[43],"class_list":["post-635","product","type-product","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","product_cat-clearquartz","product_cat-crystals","product_cat-quartz","product_cat-smokeyquartz","product_cat-smoky-elestial","product_tag-smoky-quartz","first","instock","taxable","shipping-taxable","purchasable","product-type-simple"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawtothecorecrystals.co.uk\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product\/635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawtothecorecrystals.co.uk\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawtothecorecrystals.co.uk\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawtothecorecrystals.co.uk\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=635"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawtothecorecrystals.co.uk\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/636"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawtothecorecrystals.co.uk\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=635"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawtothecorecrystals.co.uk\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=635"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawtothecorecrystals.co.uk\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=635"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawtothecorecrystals.co.uk\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}