The Crystal Vaults Comprehensive Illustrated Guide to Crystals

Your On-Line Guide to

The Healing Energies, Metaphysical Properties,

Legendary Uses and Meaning

of

Smoky Quartz

 

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Introduction to the Meaning and Uses of Smoky Quartz

In the realm of dark stones, Smoky Quartz offers a rare and beautiful transparency that draws light into shades of black and brown. With crystals as pale and surreal as a wisp of smoke, as dark and clear as midnight waters, or as warm and rich as a cognac by the fire, this mineral honors its connection with Mother Earth. It is a talisman of the Root Chakra, an anchor in the natural world, drawing white light energy from the Crown down through the body to be deeply rooted into the physical plane. It initiates movement of primal forces within the body and activates one’s survival instincts in a purified way. It brings strength and stability, and a sense of personal pride in walking the Earth and inhabiting a human form. [Raphael, 90][Melody, 607][Lembo, 288]

Smoky Quartz was known as a Stone of Power. To the ancient Druids, it was sacred and signified the potent dark power of Earth gods and goddesses. In other cultures it guided souls to the afterlife, served in shamanistic rituals and tribal ceremonies, and was utilized in magic and scrying to connect with spirits of the lower worlds. Smoky Quartz’s phenomenal power, then and now, lies in its ability to protect and ground one physically and spiritually to this world, and to absorb and transmute significant amounts of negative energy and release it into the Earth to be neutralized naturally. It provides a vital shield against psychic attack, emotional and environmental stress, and is used extensively in healing and meditation. [101 Hall, 192][Hall, 240][Hall En, 186][Simmons, 366][Melody, 606-607][glimmerdream.com]

Smoky Quartz is the national gem of Scotland, a country with the longest historical association with the stone. The Celts, who began colonizing the British Isles around 300 B.C., mined the brownish-gray Quartz in the Cairngorm Mountains of the Scottish highlands, calling the dark brown to black crystals they found Morion, and the yellow-brown to grayish-brown crystals Cairngorm after the mountains where they were located. These stones eventually became prominent adornment for Highlander apparel in the form of jewelry, shoulder brooches and kilt pins, and as power stones on the handles of weaponry, especially the Scottish dagger sgian dubh, a “sock knife” which is still part of a proper kilted dress uniform. [glimmerdream.com][www.urald.ru] The term “Smoky Quartz” was first reported to the gem world by J. S. Dana in 1837 and was named for its color which had been likened to smoke. [Melody En, 741]

Smoky Quartz is readily found in many locations around the world. A variety of Quartz, it is a silicon dioxide mineral ranging in color from pale, smoky gray to deep brown and black, sometimes yellowish-brown. It forms as crystals, drusy or in massive form, and its color is caused by impurities of aluminum and natural irradiation of the stone. Though Smoky Quartz can be nearly opaque, it is almost always transparent to translucent. Many gems on the market are Clear Quartz that have been artificially treated with radium or x-rays to turn the crystals dark, and are usually very dark and unnatural looking, often lacking in transparency. Though Scottish named, the origin of the word morion may have come from the Greek term for “baneful or hideous,” or from the French moreau, meaning “black.” The name may also relate to quadertz, an old German word for a bad mineral. In any event, morion is the German, Danish, Spanish and Polish synonym for Smoky Quartz. Smoky Quartz has also been erroneously marketed as “Smoky Topaz.” [glimmerdream.com][en.wikipedia.org][Megemont, 166][www.mineral.net][www.mindat.org][Simmons, 366][Raphael, 92]

In the metaphysical world, Smoky Quartz is one of the most efficient crystals for grounding and cleansing. Alone, or naturally blended with other Quartz, it provides some of the finest healing tools available. Some varieties include:

Brandberg Smoky Quartz – an extraordinary blend of Amethyst, Clear and Smoky Quartz together in one exceedingly high-vibrational crystal. It is found only in Namibia, Africa, and is imbued with remarkable phantoms, enhydros, and other rare formations and inclusions. It attunes to pure consciousness and is a potent talisman of healing and perfection with the capacity to restore one back to their etheric blueprint in order to realign with the Divine Source. (See the Brandberg Amethyst page for complete info.)
Smoky Amethyst Quartz – a combination of Amethyst and Smoky Quartz, often included as a phantom or distinct patch within a point; an extremely useful combination for soul healing and protection. It assists in contacting the highest possible spiritual energies, then grounds that energy into the body. It is perfect for clearing entities, unwanted influences and attachments, especially at the Third Eye, and protects against psychic attack and alien invasion. It assists disconnection between those who have previously made a mystic marriage and are still intertwined at the higher spiritual chakras. This stone amplifies and directs sound healing, creating a two-way flow of energy.
Smoky Citrine Quartz – a combination of Citrine and Smoky Quartz, characterized by dark brownish-yellow patches in clear crystal; excellent for removing blockages from one’s spiritual path, and for enhancing metaphysical abilities and grounding them into everyday reality. As a variety of Citrine, this crystal does not hold negative energy and never needs cleansing. It assists in reframing vows taken in other lives, especially those of poverty and chastity, and lets go of old beliefs and thought forms that mire one down. It allows one to move out of present circumstances or an environment that precludes expansion and opens the way to abundance.
Morion – rare, naturally irradiated, very dark brown to black Smoky Quartz, usually with Dolomite or other minerals attached that enhance its shielding and detoxifying properties. It gently heals emotional conditions and trauma, overcomes lack of trust, and supports one in coping with stress and strain. It promotes alertness and productivity, and helps one tackle important tasks with zeal.
Cairngorm – yellowish-brown Smoky Quartz from the Cairngorm Mountains; brings light into the heart of darkness. It is exceptional for keeping one safe while traversing dark places or shadow worlds, or when dealing with negative energies to find light, and for its ability to synthesize alpha, beta, and theta brainwaves during meditation and journeying.
(For more information, see The Crystal Bible 2, The Encyclopedia of Crystals, and 101 Power Crystals by Judy Hall; also Healing Crystals by Michael Gienger.)

Although Smoky Quartz grounds nearly all the negativity it absorbs into the Earth, its vigilance is constant. Energetically cleansing this crystal on a regular basis is still recommended. [Simmons, 366]

Smoky Quartz Uses and Purposes

Hold Smoky Quartz to relieve tension and stress, anxiety, or panic attacks; also to ward off negative thinking, and to eliminate worry and doubt when faced with chaos or confusion. To absorb misfortune, sorrow or seemingly impossible obstacles, hold faceted or natural points of Smoky Quartz in each hand pointed down toward the ground, then consciously release these negative energies to Mother Earth for cleansing and repurposing. [Lembo, 288][Gienger, 80][Eason, 122]

Smoky Quartz links with the Earth stimulating concern for the environment and inspiring ecological solutions. Use its protective energies to block geopathic stress and absorb electromagnetic smog given off by power lines and electronics. It is invaluable in layouts for environmental healing, and assists elimination and detoxification on all levels, ushering in positive energy in its place. [Hall, 240][Hall En, 186][Ahsian, 367][Lembo, 288]

An extraordinary amulet of protection, Smoky Quartz helps guard the home, vehicles and possessions against theft, damage and accidents caused by human error. Keep one in a purse, a bag in the glove box or near valuables, especially if left unattended for long periods of time. As a driving crystal, Smoky Quartz protects against road rage and other harm while driving on motorways, on long journeys or in heavy traffic by reducing stress and increasing concentration. It also shields against unexpected mechanical breakdowns. [Eason, 122]

Place Smoky Quartz in the home or work environment to filter out bad moods, unspoken resentments, or disparaging remarks that drain one’s strength and enthusiasm. To shield against hostility or gossip in the workplace, or a bullying boss or manager, set dark Smoky Quartz points outwards on your desk in a semi-circle to create a calm, safe area in which to work. [Eason, 41, 122][Simmons, 366]

Wear or carry Smoky Quartz to enhance survival instincts, and for assistance in reaching personal and business goals, as well as manifesting dreams and ideas into reality. This crystal promotes rational, pragmatic thought processes and improves calculation and organization. It increases focus and may be used in group situations to alleviate communication difficulties and foster a spirit of cooperation. [Melody, 607][Simmons, 366][Hall, 240][Gienger, 80][www.crystalskulls.com]

Smoky Quartz is a remarkable aid for quitting smoking, gradually reducing the urge to smoke, as well as softening the anger and agitation associated with nicotine withdrawal and the detoxification process. [Lembo, 289][Megemont, 167]

Smoky Quartz Healing Therapies – Overview

(Please note: Information on this web site is no substitute for consulting a health care professional. All information contained on this web site, including information relating to medical and health conditions, products and treatments, is for informational purposes only. Please see your doctor or health care professional before starting any alternative treatments, diets, supplements or exercise programs.)

 

Smoky Quartz Physical Healing Energy

Because Smoky Quartz is naturally irradiated, it draws upon those frequencies to counter negative effects of radiation, including sunburn, exposure to radioactive materials, medical radiation and chemotherapy. It has also been used to relieve chronic pain, muscle cramps, headaches and tension of the shoulders and back. [Ahsian, 367][Hall, 240-241][Gienger, 80][Eason, 122]

Like other forms of Quartz, Smoky Quartz may be used in treatments of the adrenal glands, pancreas, kidneys and other organs of elimination to energetically remove toxins from the body. It is believed to help regulate fluids within the body and the assimilation of minerals. [101 Hall, 192][Melody, 607][Eason, 122][Hall, 241]

Smoky Quartz is thought to protect the pulmonary tracts and regenerate the bronchi, and to benefit the reproductive system, muscle and nerve tissues. It is particularly effective for ailments of the abdomen, hips and legs. [Megemont, 167][Hall, 241][Hall En, 186]

Smoky Quartz Emotional Healing Energy

Smoky Quartz allows one to attune to the light instead of being consumed by life. Rather than merely surfacing negative energies and emotional blockages, this crystal gently dissolves these energies as it encounters them, allowing positive frequencies to take their place. It relieves fear, stress, anger and unspoken resentment, lifts depression and fatigue, and teaches one how to let go of what is no longer necessary for growth. It is a good stone for those who tend to be suicidal in nature or ambivalent about being in incarnation, by helping them come to terms with their physical body, their life and the world around them. Smoky Quartz brings assistance in tolerating difficult times with equanimity and resolve, and inspires one to be more engaged in the world. It lends the power to create and change one’s reality and to manifest one’s dreams. [Raphael, 91][Melody, 606-607][Hall, 240][Simmons, Ahsian, 366-367]

Smoky Quartz Chakra Healing and Balancing Energy

Smoky Quartz is one of the most powerful stones to use in crystal healing layouts to activate and purify the Base or Root Chakra. It may also be used to balance and direct the energy of the upper chakras to the Base Chakra, making the whole system radiant with light and laying a foundation on which the spiritual force can be manifested in the physical body. [Raphael, 90]

The Base, or Root Chakra, is located at the base of the spine and controls the energy for kinesthetic feeling and movement. It is the foundation of physical and spiritual energy for the body. When the Base Chakra is in balance, the physical body gains strength and stamina, and spiritual energy is rekindled in the form of security and sense of one’s own power. It often leads to independence and spontaneous leadership.

Smoky Quartz is also an excellent stone for grounding in crystal healing layouts. Clusters or single generators may be placed at the instep of each foot, at the knees, upon the groin points, and/or in each hand. If the termination of the crystal is directed toward the body, it draws in and circulates healing light. Facing the point away from the body directs negative energies out of the physical and subtle bodies. Grounding all bodies to the healing vibration discourages a healing crises which could occur while activating the energy centers. [Raphael, 92][Melody, 607][Hall, 241][101 Hall, 193]

Smoky Quartz may be used to protect the Earth Chakra below the feet and its grounding chord, or for gridding around an area of disturbed earth-energy. [Hall, 240][Hall En, 186] The Earth Chakra is located between and slightly below the feet. It holds the soul into carnation and creates a solid connection to the planet Earth, allowing excess and out-of-balance energies to flow from the body.

Smoky Quartz Spiritual Energy

Providing a protective barrier of energy around the user, Smoky Quartz offers exceptional grounding and stability when working in the higher realms, helping one to receive and utilize more high-frequency Light energy. It is a remarkable tool for focused prayer and deep meditation, spiritual ceremonies and rituals, as well as strengthening the link of communication when contacting other worlds. It may also be used as a psychopomp for guiding souls to the other side. [Melody, 606-607][Lembo, 288][Simmons, Ahsian, 366-367][Hall En, 186]

Smoky Quartz also has a propensity for enticing the ethereal into manifestation. While wearing or carrying Smoky Quartz, one may be more apt to observe phenomena such as ghosts, UFOs, fairies or spirit guides. Unlike situations where one’s vibration is raised to a higher level of perceptual ability, Smoky Quartz draws the entities or phenomena into one’s auric field and down to one’s level of perception. [Simmons, 366]

Smoky Quartz Color Energy

Smoky Quartz utilizes various shades of black to deepen our connection to the physical, natural world. It brings power and strength, relieving fears specifically associated with the physical existence here on Earth. Black crystals offer protection and a retreat, the safety of being hidden from your enemies.

Smoky Quartz in shades of brown also brings connection with the natural world. It is the color influence of home, hearth, and nature. It helps you relax, reconnect, and regain your composure. It is a grounding stone, promoting security and stability.

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Meditation with Smoky Quartz

Smoky Quartz is an ideal crystal for grounding the spirit in meditation, relieving barriers between the alpha and beta states of mind in order to set aside the thinking mind and stop the mental chatter that consumes one’s consciousness. It allows one to simply be in the moment, clear all thought and attune to higher awareness. Smoky Quartz refines one’s vibratory energies and allows for a deep, prolonged meditative state, and may be used to initiate a powerful force field which can absorb many forms of negativity, both from within oneself and from outer sources. [Melody, 606][Hall, 240][Lembo, 288] Smoky Quartz is also ideal for meditative use in the West section of a medicine wheel, accompanying one through the gates of death into the otherworld and rebirth. [Hall II, 371]

Smoky Quartz Divination

The Divinatory meaning of Smoky Quartz: There is light at the end of the tunnel and you will slowly see improvements in a long-standing worry soon. [Eason, 122]

Smoky Quartz and the Angelic Realm

Smoky Quartz occurs in various shades of brown and black. If your birthday falls in any of the following periods, a Smoky Quartz of the color listed can be a valuable conduit to your Guardian Angel. The table also provides the name of the Guardian Angel of those born in the time period.

 

There are other Angels that are partial to Smoky Quartz. The table below gives you information about them.

 

 

Smoky Quartz Goddess Crystals

Smoky Quartz honors Hecate, the Thracian Goddess of Wisdom, Crossroads and Ghosts. She is also Goddess of the Occult and the Dark Moon, the side we are unable to see. She has power over the heavens, earth and the underworld.

Smoky Quartz honors Gaia, the Greek Earth Mother Goddess. Born directly out of Chaos, the primal emptiness, she was the first (or one of the first) beings to appear during the process of creation, and is honored as being the Earth itself.

All crystals of Quartz honor Gendenwitha, the Morning Star Goddess of the Iroquois; and Quartz clusters honor Ixcuiname, the Mayan Goddess of the Four Ages of Women.

Birthstones

 

There are several ways to find an appropriate birthstone. The traditional one is listed first. These are from the popular lists that most people are familiar with. The second way is to find your natural birthstone by the color wheel of life. You can click on the Natural Birthstone graphic below to learn more. Finally many people use the traditional stones of the Zodiac.

In this section you will find information on all three approaches.

 

Smoky Quartz Traditional Birthstone

Smoky Quartz is not a traditional birthstone

 

 

Smoky Quartz Natural Birthstone.

Smoky Quartz is not a Natural Birthstone.

 

Smoky Quartz – Zodiac Stone

Smoky Quartz has an affinity with all of the signs. It is particularly helpful to reduce Capricorn’s tendency toward self-criticism, and to give Librans the courage to look within and heal long buried wounds. [Megemont, 167]

Smoky Quartz Talismans and Amulets

Smoky Quartz is a Seeker Transformer crystal. Seekers contain a crystal energy structure that aligns the natural energy of the crystal to the natural power of the human mind in finding the way to new horizons and new capabilities. They’re pointers, directors, and compasses; the fresh start crystals. These are talismans of the scientist, the adventurer, the hunter, wanderer, and explorer. They’re also crystals of the student and the researcher.

Transformer crystals enhance efforts to change our situations, prospects, health, outlook or relationships. By transforming ourselves we transform our lives. We learn to dance, speak a new language, grow stronger, or become a better spouse or child. Seeker crystals with the earth power of the Transformer are excellent talismans to aid our efforts to grow, develop new capabilities and change our lives.

Smoky Quartz Feng Shui

Smoky Quartz utilizes Wood energy, the energy of growth, expansion, new beginnings, nourishment and health. It enhances vitality, brings abundance, and keeps us growing physically. Use brown crystals to enhance any space used for eating, in the room of a small child, or in a place of your home where you are beginning a new project. Wood energy is traditionally associated with the East and Southeast areas of a home or room. It is associated with the Family and Health area, and the Prosperity and Abundance area.

Smoky Quartz Lore and Legend

Smoky Quartz was a sacred stone to the ancient Druids and Celts who began colonizing the British Isles around 300 B.C. The clear, yet earthy color symbolized the potent dark power of Earth gods and goddesses, and was often associated with Hecate, goddess of the Occult and the Dark Moon, and Crom Dubh, the god of the Harvest, known as the “dark bent one” or “black bowed one.” Due to its smoky and sometimes ghostly effects in appearance, Smoky Quartz was also linked with Samhain, the Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, the “darker half” of the year. This festival was celebrated with huge bonfires which had great protective qualities as it was believed at this time spirits and fairies could more easily enter our world. [101 Hall, 192][www.controverscial.com][glimmerdream.com][en.wikipedia.org]

Smoky Quartz was, and is still, a favorite ornamental stone of the Scottish dirk, or sgian dubh (Gaelic for “black dagger”) – a long straight-bladed dagger with a black handle made of bog oak, a hard jet-black wood. This small but deadly weapon was customarily carried in a place of concealment, often under the armpit. When calling on another household, protocol dictated all weapons, including claymore or broadsword, dirk, a pair of pistols and a horn, all be left at the front door. Because of rapidly shifting loyalties, however, Highlanders usually kept their sgian dubh close at hand, even when visiting “friends,” but out of courtesy to the host would remove it from under the armpit and place it where it could be seen, typically in the stocking. [glimmerdream.com]

A crystal sphere of Smoky Quartz, two and a half inches in diameter, tops the Scepter of Power in the “Honors of Scotland,” as the Royal Jewels are called. They are comprised of the Crown, Sword and Scepter; the oldest being the Scepter, a gift from Pope Alexander VI to King James IV as a symbol of papal support for Scotland, a “special daughter of the Holy See.” [101 Hall, 192][glimmerdream.com][www.controverscial.com]

The world’s largest known Cairngorm crystal weighs 52 lbs. and resides at Braemar Castle in Scotland. It is just slightly larger than one bought by Queen Victoria now on display in Balmoral Castle. [www.urald.ru][en.wikipedia.org][glimmerdream.com][cairngorms.co.uk]

In the ancient world, Smoky Quartz and other varieties of Quartz were used by the Romans to carve intaglio seals. The Sumerians cut and engraved it as cylinder seals and later as ring seals. Smoky Quartz was popular in China for making snuff boxes, as well as being cut into flat panes and used as early sunglasses. These lenses provided no corrective properties, nor protected from UV rays, but did counter glare. Ancient documents describe the use of these crystal sunglasses by judges in Chinese courts to hide their facial expressions when interrogating witnesses. [www.jewelsforme.com][glimmerdream.com][www.glasseshistory.com][en.wikipedia.org]

In Switzerland, Germany and Austria, Smoky Quartz crucifixes were traditionally put on bedroom walls at night as a guardian against bad luck and to keep evil away, both human and paranormal. [Eason, 122]

A sphere of Smoky Quartz currently displayed in the British Museum is reputed to be the famous “shew-stone” of Dr. John Dee, the alchemist, mathematician, astrologer, magician, and court diviner to Queen Elizabeth I of England. Dr. Dee alleges the crystal was brought to him by the great angel, Uriel, who informed him that by gazing into the sphere he could communicate with otherworldly spirits. Scrying with Dr. Dee’s “shew-stone,” an associate, Sir Edward Kelly, claimed to have obtained a series of diagrams containing the “keys to all the mysteries of the Universe.” [101 Hall, 192][glimmerdream.com][www.controverscial.com]

Smoky Quartz has a history of being used in shamanistic rituals and North American tribal ceremonies to enhance stability and provide protection from any detrimental forces present in the ethereal realm. It was often found at the top of ritual wands and was reported to be particularly prized by the Cherokees. [Melody, 607][Melody En, 741][www.crystalskulls.com]

Smoky Quartz is said to create an astral pathway to past worlds or out-of-body travel when candlelight is shined into its center and the mind is allowed to follow its path. Smoky Quartz spheres are considered to be the most effective for this use. [Eason, 122]

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Footnote References

 

The symbols [  ] enclose the author’s name and a page number for a reference cited from the following books:

[Ahsian, pp.] Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian, The Book of Stones (Berkley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2007).

[Altman, pp.] Jennifer Altman, Gem and Stone: Jewelry of Earth, Sea, and Sky. (San Francisco, Chronicle Books, 2012)

[Eason, pp. ]Cassandra Eason, The New Crystal Bible (London: Carlton Books Ltd., 2010).

[Fernie, pp.] William T. Fernie, The Occult and Curative Powers of Precious Stones (Blauvelt, NY: Rudolph Steiner Publications, 1973).

[Gienger, pp.] Michael Gienger, Healing Crystals (Scotland: Earthdancer Books, 2009).

[Hall, pp.] Judy Hall, The Crystal Bible (Cincinnati, OH: Walking Stick Press, 2003).

[Hall II, pp.]Judy Hall, The Crystal Bible 2 (Cincinnati, OH: Walking Stick Press, 2009).

[Hall III, pp.] Judy Hall, The Crystal Bible 3 (Cincinnati, OH: Walking Stick Press, 2013).

[Hall En ,pp.] Judy Hall, The Encyclopedia of Crystals, (Beverly, MA: Fair Winds Press, 2013).

[Hall Cr, pp.] Judy Hall, Crystals to Empower You (Blue Ash, OH, Cincinnati, OH: Walking Stick Press, 2013).

[101 Hall , pp.] Judy Hall, 101 Power Crystals (Beverly, MA: Fair Winds Press, 2011).

[Kunz, pp.] George Frederick Kunz, The Curious Lore of Precious Stones (New York: Dover Publications, 1971).

[Lecouteux, pp.] Claude Lecouteux, A Lapidary of Sacred Stones (Rochester, VT: Inner Traditions, U.S. edition, 2012).

[Lembo, pp.] Margaret Lembo The Essential Guide to Crystals, Minerals, & Stones (Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Worldwide, 2013).

[Margherita,pp.] Margherita, The Crystal Lotus Handbook (Ontario, Canada: The Crystal Lotus, 2010).

[Megemont, pp.] Florence Megemont, The Metaphysical Book of Gems and Crystals (Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2008).

[Mella, pp.] Dorothee L. Mella, Stone Power II (Albuquerque, NM: Brotherhood of Life, Inc., 1986).

[Melody, pp.] Melody, Love Is In The Earth (Wheat Ridge, CO: Earth-Love Publishing House, 1995).

[Melody, EN,pp.] Melody, Love Is In The Earth -The Crystal and Minerals Encyclopedia (Wheat Ridge, CO: Earth-Love Publishing House, 2007).

[Raphaell, pp.] Katrina Raphaell, Crystal Enlightenment (Santa Fe, NM: Aurora Press, 1985)

[Simmons, pp.] [Ahsian,] Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian, The Book of Stones (Berkley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2007).