5" Thunder Bay Smoky Quartz Cluster w/ Hematite Inclusions - Canada

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.

About Thunder Bay Amethyst

Amethyst from the Thunder Bay region of Ontario is renowned for its vivid color and striking inclusions, making it one of the most recognizable amethyst varieties in North America. The deposits were first discovered in the 1950s during road construction roughly 30 miles northeast of Thunder Bay, revealing extensive veins and pockets of quartz within ancient volcanic rock. By the 1960s, several mines were in operation, and the area quickly became a major source of high-quality amethyst for both collectors and lapidary use.

Thunder Bay amethyst is known for its impressive color range, spanning from soft, lavender hues to deep, nearly black tones referred to as “black amethyst.” What sets this locality apart, however, is its distinctive red hematite inclusions. These appear as microscopic disks, spherules, or dust-like clouds suspended within the quartz, creating brilliant flashes of red and orange when the crystals catch the light. In some specimens, the hematite is so pervasive that whole sections—and occasionally entire crystals—take on a warm reddish glow. This combination of rich purple quartz and iron-derived coloration gives Thunder Bay amethyst its unmistakable and highly sought-after appearance.