Smokey Quartz is an especially helpful crystal for those who have trouble dispersing negative thoughts, letting go of the past, and those who suffer from anxiety and depression. Connecting to the Root chakra, Smokey Quartz can help ground oneself to the natural world, and introduce stability into one’s life.
History
Smokey Quartz was originally found in the Cairngorm Mountains located in Scotland. Smokey Quartz has been associated with Scotland for over 2,000 years, and is known as the country’s national gem. Smokey Quartz has been revered by humans for centuries. In ancient times, Smokey Quartz was considered sacred, and was used in many ceremonies and rituals, including attempts to guide souls into the afterlife. Smokey Quartz has a history of being used in religious artifacts, as well as jewelry. Today, Smokey Quartz can be found in a variety of locations, including the United States and Scotland.
Composition and Formation
Smokey Quartz is classified as a silicon dioxide mineral that forms by a slow crystallization process through high pressure and temperature. Smokey Quartz is characterized by its smokey brown coloring and can range from a light, translucent brown color to an opaque, almost black color. Smokey Quartz obtains this coloring through a unique and fascinating process in which natural radiation reacts with trace elements of aluminum within the crystal. Smokey Quartz can also be found with a yellow or orangey tint due to the possible traces of iron oxide within the crystal. Smokey Quartz is most commonly found in quartz veins located in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Cleansing and Charging
Smokey Quartz, similar to other crystals, should be cleansed and charged regularly. It is not recommended to cleanse and charge smokey quartz in sunlight as the crystal is sensitive to UV lights, which can cause the color to fade. Luckily, there are a multitude of other ways you can cleanse and charge your Smokey Quartz.
A few ways you can cleanse and charge the crystal include:
Place Smokey Quartz with a cleansing and charging crystal such as Selenite or Clear Quartz
Smudge the crystal with smoke from sage or incense
Cleanse with freshwater, or rock salt water
Use sound and vibrations from a bell or singing bowl
Place the crystal someplace where it may bask in the moonlight
Physical Healing Properties
Relieves chronic pain (especially in the back and shoulders)
Strengthens muscles in the back, legs, hips, and other parts of the body
Relieves headaches
Eases muscular spasms
Strengthens nerve tissue
Improves circulation
Boosts energy levels
Enhances focus
Emotional/Mental Healing Properties
Provides a grounding and relaxing energy when one is experiencing high stress levels
Dissolves negative energy blocks
Allows for a realistic outlook on life
Helps one acknowledge and make peace with high emotions
Encourages one to focus on solutions to a problem, rather than worrying about the problem itself
Excellent for preventing nightmares
Spiritual Healing Properties
Connecting to the Root chakra, Smokey Quartz acts as an anchor in the natural world while drawing energy from the Crown chakra down and throughout the body
Helps one stay grounded when working with high-vibrational energies
Provides a protective shield of energy
Great tool for deep meditation or prayer
Great stone for manifestation
Chakra Healing
Smokey Quartz is a powerful stone to aid in the purification and activation of the base or Root Chakra. Our Root Chakra is located at the base of the spine and acts as the foundation for both physical and spiritual energy within the body. When the Root Chakra is in balance, one gains a physical sense of strength and stamina. A balanced Root Chakra also allows for spiritual energy that manifests as a sense security in oneself and a sense of one’s own power. Having a balanced Root Chakra can also lead to independence and even spontaneous leadership.