2.3" Niobophyllite on a Smoky Quartz Crystal - Malawi

About Smoky Quartz

Smoky quartz is a variety of quartz distinguished by its smoky gray to deep brown or nearly black coloration, a name inspired by the hazy, smoke-like appearance within the crystal. While some specimens can appear very dark or even opaque, most smoky quartz remains at least partially translucent, allowing light to pass through its internal veils and zoning. The color develops when trace amounts of aluminum within the quartz lattice are exposed to natural irradiation over geologic time, subtly altering the crystal structure and producing its characteristic smoky tones.

Astrophyllite is a rare hydrous potassium iron titanium silicate mineral with the chemical formula (K,Na)3(Fe++,Mn)7Ti2Si8O24(O,OH)7. It commonly forms as radiating, bladed aggregates of soft and brittle crystals, colored golden-yellow to brown. Due to the fragile nature of astrophyllite crystals, they're usually left in situ (within surrounding matrix) for presentation. However, this hasn't stopped jewelers from incorporating polished astrophyllite specimens into jewelry.