Smoky Quartz is a variety of quartz crystal, gaining its distinctive smoky tea-like color from exposure to underground heat and trace amounts of radiation in the natural environment. This gives the crystal its characteristic “smoky” appearance, as if filled with wisps of smoke within.

Due to its unique color and properties, Smoky Quartz has historically held significant cultural value. It was the national stone of ancient Scotland, where it was heavily mined in the Cairngorm Mountains—a region after which it was also named, being referred to locally as “Cairngorm.” The local Scots highly valued Smoky Quartz and used it extensively in various aspects of life. For example, traditional Scottish daggers known as dirks and small ceremonial knives called sgian dubh were often adorned with Smoky Quartz. Not only were these stones regarded as aesthetically pleasing, but they were also believed to offer protection to warriors, shielding them from harm and dispelling any doubts they might have on the battlefield.

In ancient China, Smoky Quartz held a unique value as it was used to craft some of the earliest sunglasses. The crystal’s natural clarity made it ideal for shielding the eyes from harsh sunlight, allowing wearers to comfortably observe their surroundings. These sunglasses were not just practical but were seen as a form of divine protection against the overwhelming heat of droughts and scorching sunlight, which were sometimes viewed as heavenly punishments. Owning a pair of Smoky Quartz sunglasses was a luxury due to the expensive production process, making them a symbol of both wealth and high social standing.