February – Smoky Quartz
One of the most common minerals in the world, quartz makes up about 20% of the earth’s crust. Smoky quartz is a variety of the quartz crystal that ranges in clarity from a pale and luminous gold, to a dark stone as black as the midnight sky. Named for its smoky complexion, its hues mirror its profound connections to the earth.
While other strains of quartz, such as clear quartz and rose quartz, are better known and higher acclaimed than smoky quartz, this crystal holds a power of its own. The smoky quartz benefits lie principally in its protection and grounding qualities.
Smoky Quartz through the ages
Throughout history, smoky quartz has been recognised as a Stone of Power. Respected by the ancient Druids, it was thought to be sacred, signifying the dark power of the earth gods and goddesses. In other cultures, the smoky quartz stone guided souls to the after life, served in shamanistic rituals and tribal ceremonies and was used in magical rites to connect with spirits in other realms.
It may come as a surprise to learn that it is Scotland that has the longest and most deep-seated connection with smoky quartz – and the stone is in fact the country’s national gem. The Celts – who began colonising the British Isles around 300 B.C – had a long tradition of hunting the mountain ranges for “Cairngorm stones”, which saw entire families searching the mountains with a zeal akin to the lust for gold. The Cairngorms is an area of dramatic, rugged scenery in the Scottish Highlands – and the distinctive, amber-colored “Cairngorm quartz”, a term now universally recognised for the stone – has adorned Highland dress for centuries.
Fun Fact: Smoky quartz was used in the creation of the first ever pair of sunglasses. It was utilised in China in the 12th century for the lenses of glasses.
The Smoky Quartz Healing Properties: balancing energy and grounding
Smoky quartz’s benefits and powers – then and now – lie in its ability to ground one physically and spiritually to the world. Absorbing and transmuting energy, it takes negative vibrations and releases them into the earth to be neutralised naturally. Thus, it can be used for psychic healing, and as a combatant to emotional and environmental stress.
Its powerful connections to the earth mean smoky quartz is highly beneficial in strengthening one’s connection to the physical world and all life forms within it. This is not surprising, considering it makes up so much of the earth’s matter!
Smoky quartz as an anchor
Smoky quartz is one of the most potent grounding and anchoring crystals. A talisman of the root chakra, smoky quartz can be used to ground in the harmonising energy of the earth – drawing the white light from the crown chakra down through the body to deeply root into the physical world. Its unique vibration means that it has very strong connections to all of the lower chakras, and can be used to heal a myriad of issues in the lower parts of the body.
Smoky quartz as a protector
A highly protective stone, smoky quartz is used to ward off negative energies, and neutralise them when they appear. Bringing natural vibrations of harmony to the body, and drawing out negative energy, it helps balance your vibration and promote positivity.
These qualities mean smoky quartz can be highly beneficial for those who find themselves ricocheting between emotional highs and lows, or those prone to depression and fatigue. To use smoky quartz to absorb and transmute negative energies, simply hold the crystal in your palm – with its faceted side pointing down towards the earth – and consciously release these energies to Mother Earth for cleansing and transforming.
The Impact of Smoky Quartz on Physical and Mental Ailments
If you are an individual that struggles with depression, anxiety or jealousy, wearing a piece of smoky quartz can be a compelling way to deal with situations without allowing your negative emotions to take over.
Physically, smoky quartz is particularly effective for ailments of the abdomen, kidneys, pancreas, hips and legs – more or less all of the lower parts of the body. It can be used to help alleviate pain of all kinds, including headaches, muscle and tissue pain and cramps.
Mentally, smoky quartz is a powerful mood elevator – relieving fears and stresses, and enhancing feelings of calm and security. Cleansing the lower chakras, it aids in the acceptance of one’s physical body and life situation. Promoting positive, pragmatic thought, it can be used to clear the mind and help resolve conflicts amicably. Dissolving contradictions and promoting concentration, it is highly useful in combating communication difficulties. Its abilities to clear the mind mean it is one of the best crystals to use in meditation practice.
Clink’s Smoky Quartz Crystals and Pendants
Wearing a crystal is one of the most powerful ways to benefit from its healing properties. If you are finding yourself in continual states of worry or stress, smoky quartz could be the crystal you need to re-balance your energy and bring yourself back to the calming frequency of the earth.
We have a beautiful collection of smoky quartz jewellery at Clink, which you can find both on our website and at our shop in Auckland. We’d love to guide you on your crystal journey, so please get in touch if you have any questions or queries.