Smoky Quartz Cushion Checkerboard Faceted Gemstones, AA-Grade

This AA-grade cushion smoky quartz features a saturated color and a checkerboard pattern of facets that enhance the scintillation and depth. Its light-reflecting cut and smoky brown color complement a variety of metal colors and gemstones. The gemstone is a great choice for simple designs that highlight these qualities. Use this gemstone as a single focal point in a simple pendant or ring or pair it with yellow and orange gems, such as citrine. Smoky quartz—often incorrectly called smoky topaz—ranges from almost clear to nearly opaque. The color is the result of free silicon within the gemstone released by natural irradiation. One of the most common minerals, quartz comes in many varieties and colors. The two main categories are macrocrystalline, which are usually transparent and crystals are visible, and cryptocrystalline, which appear translucent or opaque. The many varieties of quartz each offer distinct characteristics and, according to folklore, their own powers and purposes. The cushion cut is a classic style; it combines features of the oval cut with a deep cut and large facets. Checkerboard faceting features square facets across the entire crown on the gemstone; this faceting is ideal for larger gemstones, increasing the scintillation effect.

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Gemstone type: Quartz
Stone shape: Cushion
Stone size: 10mm, 12mm, 14mm
Stone type: Natural
Color: Deep brown
Enhancement: Irradiated (R)
Grade: AA
Mohs hardness: 7
Clarity: Eye-clean
Refractive index: 1.544–1.553
Specific gravity: 2.69–2.72
Brand: AGTA
Mineral source: BRAZIL
Cutting center: India