Everything You Need To Know About Using Smoky Quartz

You've heard it before, right? That every gemstone is unique in shape, color, and metaphysical properties is common knowledge now, but that doesn't change the fact that it's amazing. You've got your "ites" like pyrite and amazonite, and you've got your fun-named ones like lapis lazuli. Then you've got your quartzes. Clear quartz is a very popular variety of quartz, but there are other varieties that have their own fun abilities.

Among the other fascinating quartz varieties is smoky quartz. Like its name suggests, smoky quartz is smoky in color, falling into the realm of ambers and reddish-browns. According to Charms of Light, smoky quartz is a naturally occurring form of quartz. It's associated with the zodiac signs Capricorn, Scorpio, and Sagittarius, the earth and air elements, and the numbers 2 and 8. Color-wise, it can even appear grey, offering more smoky tones.

Smoky quartz forms at high altitudes, according to Fire Mountain Gems, which is why it's been most commonly found in Brazil, Colorado, and throughout the Swiss Alps. Historically, it was even used in China as early as the 12th century, when people would use flat planes of the stone as sunglasses.

Smoky quartz is an excellent crystal to have in your arsenal. Maybe it's because it forms at high altitudes — or perhaps that's a sheer coincidence — but smoky quartz's properties often relate to elevation. According to AIIR Professionals, smoky quartz elevates your mood, uplifts your thoughts and your thought processes, can stabilize and uplift your mental health, give you pride, and so much more. It lifts up every aspect of your well-being, helping you crystalize into the person you always knew you were.

Physically, smoky quartz "dissolves cramps, strengthens the back and fortifies the nerves," explains Charms of Light. "It is particularly effective for abdomen, hips and legs," and it "relieves headaches, back pain, eases muscular spasms." Moreover, smoky quartz aids your reproductive system, and it helps your heart, your nerve tissue, and your muscles. At the same time, it helps your body absorb minerals, meaning you can gain even more energy from your body acquiring all of the minerals it's been missing.

With so many mental and physical benefits, using smoky quartz should be a no-brainer. It's nearly a catch-all, meaning it's one crystal you want to have with you at all times just to keep you happy, stable, and pushing through life.