What Is Smoky Quartz and How Does It Affect Your Chakras?
What is Smoky Quartz?
Smoky quartz is an energetically powerful gemstone that occurs naturally on Earth. The name smoky quartz stems from its smokey appearance.
It is also known as “smokey quartz” for its gray, smokey color, smoky quartz is a crystal in the family of quartz.
Smoky quartz is a beautiful and unique crystal, filled with hues of brown, gray, black and even sometimes yellow, making it appear very bold and mysterious.
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Other quartzes in the family include the clear quartz, a translucent variety of quartz, and the rose quartz, a pink colored quartz variety, as well as dark stones such as black tourmaline.
Smoky quartz, like all other quartz, is made up of the elements Silicon and Oxygen. In a chemical process, silicon and oxygen fuse together to form long chains of silicon dioxide.
These silicon dioxide chains are known as quartz crystals.
The smoky quartz forms its signature smokey color when surrounding rocks contain radioactive materials. We often think of the negative effects of radiation.
According to the International Gem Society, natural radiation actually alters the color of the growing quartz crystal, helping to form a brand new variety of crystal: the smoky quartz.
This natural irradiation process is why smoky quartz is sometimes referred to as irradiated quartz.
The History of Smoky Quartz
In ancient times, as early as 300 B.C., Scottish natives mined smoky quartz. The smoky quartz gemstone has a strong historical significance to the Scottish people and celtic cultures.
The elite class of the early natives, called the Druids, believed that the stone had spiritual powers, and would use smoky quartz in sacred religious ceremonies. In celtic culture, the gemstone is called the Cairngorm quartz.
The Celts used the gemstone in many different ways, including as adornment for celtic garments and traditional celtic weaponry.
Recommended Reading: The Power of Clear Quartz For Chakra Healing
Smoky quartz was a popular choice for pins and kilt accessories. Now, the smoky quartz is the national gem of Scotland.
Some time later, in the Victorian Era, Queen Victoria became enamored with the Scottish smoky quartz. She possessed a vast collection of smoky quartz gemstones, and was captivated by the spiritual significance of the stone.
Where to Find Smoky Quartz
You may not realize, but natural smoky quartz exists all around you in the natural world. Mother Earth is the original crystal healer!
Smoky quartz crystals can be found in igneous rocks as well as in granite and other rocks. Smoky quartz is widely available for sale in the United States and abroad.
Here are some of the best shops to buy smoky quartz:
How Does Smoky Quartz Conduct Electricity?
One special feature of quartz stones is their ability to conduct electricity when squeezed. This is called the piezoelectric effect, and it is the mechanism behind many watches and other technologies.
This electromagnetic energy that occurs when a quartz is under a bit of pressure can create a small battery, with positive and negatively charged ends.
An electrically charged quartz crystal oscillates in time, creating ripples of vibrations through space.
This vibrational energy field created by a pressurized smoky quartz (and other quartz) are said to have a deeper, cleansing effect on spiritual energy.
What are the Healing Properties of Smoky Quartz?
Smoky quartz is revered in energy healing communities for its healing properties. It is well known as being one of the most powerful stones for staying grounded. It is a great stone for flushing the atmosphere of negative energy.
It’s truly incredible how products of the physical world, such as crystals, can have deep spiritual meanings.
Recommended Read: The Ultimate Guide To Chakra Aura Colors & Their Meaning
The Spiritual Meaning of Smoky Quartz
If you are inclined to pursue the spiritual journey, smoky quartz is a great addition to the ride. Smoky quartz is an anchoring stone that can be used to fuel spiritual growth.
The smokey quartz crystal has a strong connection with grounding spiritual practices and ideas such as yoga, chakra healing, and meditation.
Smoky quartz is really good at absorbing negative vibrations and replacing them with positive energy.
Combining smoky quartz with practices of yoga and meditation may lead to improvements in inner strength and willpower.
The Metaphysical Properties of Smoky Quartz
Quartzes in general are known for promoting psychic abilities. That is why mediums use crystal balls (fun fact).
As mentioned before, quartz has the ability to create electric vibrations via the piezoelectric effect. This ability may have to do with the calming properties associated with smoky quartz.
Smoky quartzes have a powerful way of extracting negative emotion such as anxiety and fear from the mind. Smoky quartz has protective energies that are released into its surroundings.
Smoky quartz crystals are useful for aligning the chakras, especially the root chakra.
When held in your palm or placed on the root chakra, smoky quartz fends off obsessive thoughts and feelings of anxiety, leaving you feeling more grounded and in touch with your most pure consciousness.
What are Chakras?
Chakras are energy centers within the physical body. Hinduism, a religion and spiritual practice founded in regions of India, bore the idea of the chakras. In Sanskrit, the ancient Indian language, “chakra” means “wheel” or “disk.”
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There are seven main chakras in the body, embedded within the central axis of the spine.
As you go through life and interact with different energies, the chakras may become unaligned or blocked from the central flow of energy.
When there is a blockage to one or more chakra, this often results in various physical and mental ailments.
If at first you are confused about how the chakra system works, don’t worry! It is a very elaborate set of ideas.
The chakra system is, at its core, a description of the organization and flow of different energies within the bodies of conscious beings.
The chakra system is a web of intricate metaphysical phenomena that wrap around the very essence of consciousness and the physical realm.
Spiritual leaders often spend years studying the chakra system as it relates to the self and the universe.
The Seven Main Chakras
Crown Chakra
The crown chakra is located at the top of the head. It is the seventh primary chakra in the system. The crown chakra is represented by the colors violet or white.
The crown chakra reigns over intellect and conscious perception. The crown chakra symbolizes the connection between the individual consciousness and the broader universal consciousness.
The crown chakra represents a deep wisdom about the nature of consciousness itself and how we relate to ourselves.
When the crown chakra is open, there is a deep sense of mental clarity and connectedness to others.
When the crown chakra becomes energetically blocked, the downstream effects can disrupt important functions of both the body and the mind.
Blockages to the crown chakra may result in feelings of lostness, feelings of disconnectedness, or a lack of clear direction.
Physical manifestations of a crown chakra blockage may include neurological disorders, headaches, insomnia, or depression.
Third Eye Chakra
The third eye chakra is the sixth primary chakra of the body. The third eye chakra can be found between the brows of the forehead and is represented by the color indigo.
As the name suggests, the third eye chakra is the energetic channel through which we see the world around us. Our intuition and imagination is said to flow through this chakra.
In the Sanskrit language, the third eye chakra is called “Ajna,” meaning “authority,” or “command.” The third eye chakra rules the mind and its relationship with the past, present and future universe.
When the third eye chakra faces a blockage, it usually manifests in physical ailments such as neurological issues, distractedness, or a loss of vision, hearing or other sensory modalities.
When the third eye chakra is blocked, the individual becomes disconnected from their intuition.
Throat Chakra
The throat chakra lives in the throat, and its color representation is blue. Just as our vocal chords live in the throat, the throat chakra is deeply connected to communication.
When there is a blockage to the throat chakra, the symptoms may include compulsive gossiping, frustration or inability to communicate internal feelings, or speaking before thinking.
An aligned and open throat chakra is known to promote compassionate energy.
When you understand and communicate your inner emotions, then you are better suited to relate to the feelings of others.
Heart Chakra
The heart chakra is embedded deep within the chest, near to the heart organ. The color representation of the heart chakra is green.
The heart chakra reigns over true love, passions and interpersonal connections. An open and aligned heart chakra can enable feelings of empathy between individuals.
The heart chakra can become blocked by stress or emotional pain. If the heart chakra becomes closed, there are often issues associated with heart health.
A close heart chakra may also lead to a lack of empathy, a lack of interest in social situations, being very judgemental of others and oneself, and a lack of respect for personal boundaries.
Recommended Reading: Rose Quartz: Meaning, Uses & Benefits
Solar Plexus Chakra
The solar plexus chakra lives within the belly, above the navel. The color yellow represents this chakra.
The solar plexus chakra symbolizes the core of your being, and reigns over your personal power and identity. This chakra celebrates your physical and emotional inner strengths.
The solar plexus chakra is also associated with self-confidence and self-esteem.
If the solar plexus chakra becomes closed due to stress, conflict or emotional fatigue, there may be an upset within the stomach and gastro-intestinal system that causes muscle cramps or uncomfortable pains.
Emotional issues that may manifest as a result of a blockage include feeling powerless, lack of motivation, or insecurities.
Sacral Chakra
The sacral chakra lives within the lower abdomen, right between the navel and the pubic bone. It manifests as the color orange.
The sacral chakra is central to pleasure, creativity, sexuality, and the emotional response.
Dysfunctions that stem from a blocked sacral chakra include trouble with addictive behaviors, feelings of jealousy, fearfulness, and a lack of connection with personal pleasure.
Physical ailments due to a blocked sacral chakra may include constipation, impotence, irregular periods for menstruating individuals, or urinary tract infections.
When the sacral chakra is in alignment, the individual will have healthy patterns of pleasure-seeking behaviors. The individual’s self-worth remains intact and she is emotionally in touch with her true desires.
Root Chakra
The root chakra is the first chakra. It is represented by the color red. This base chakra can be found at the base of the spine, the point at which the spine meets the tailbone.
The root chakra is known for its connection to physical and emotional safety and security.
When basic physical needs such as food and shelter are being met and honored, the root chakra is said to be in alignment.
Difficult times such as food insecurity or financial insecurity may lead to a root chakra blockage.
When the root chakra is blocked, issues such as eating disorders, fatigue, fear of financial insecurity, or general anxiety may arise.
A blocked root chakra may also be responsible for chronic pain in the back or lower extremities.
When in alignment, the root chakra is known to provide a sense of grounding to the individual. When the root chakra is open, the individual feels secure in meeting her basic needs.
It is very important for the root chakra to be in alignment, because feeling physically secure is necessary when trying to achieve higher goals such as career advancement or spiritual growth.
Although blockages to the chakras may be devastating emotionally and physically, there are many ways to open and realign chakra blockages through yoga, meditation, mindful living, and crystal healing.
How To Use Smoky Quartz Crystals For Chakra Healing
Because of the energetic qualities of crystals, the use of crystals is a meaningful aspect of chakra healing. Crystals are good stones to use when facing chakra blockages, and each chakra has a specific set of crystals that help to open it.
The root chakra stone is the smoky quartz crystal. Because the smoky quartz crystal is known as the “grounding stone,” it is an excellent source of energy when meditating on the root chakra.
Those who face imbalance to their root chakras may have a history of childhood trauma or neglect underlying the blockage.
The shame and guilt that often accompanies traumatic events can often lead to a drastic loss of interest in life, sometimes to the point of suicidal tendencies.
It is important to talk to someone, ideally a mental health professional, if you are experiencing thoughts of suicide.
If you or someone you know need immediate help: Call or text 988 if you are located in the United States for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are located outside of the US, find your local helpline by going here.
Other possible causes of root chakra imbalance include stresses of modern life such as applying for jobs, social isolation or moving to a new place.
If you are feeling rootless, unmotivated or detached from reality, it is time to focus on opening up your root chakra.
The daily balancing act of life can sometimes become feel hectic and stressful. First of all, forgive yourself for being stressed out! It is totally natural to feel overwhelmed sometimes. It is okay not to be okay.
It is important to slow down sometimes and remember to honor your most basic level of self: simply being here now.
You don’t need to be working towards lofty goals to feel nurtured and fulfilled.
The paradox is that when you realize the simple joys of savoring the present moment, you are more likely to let go of your anxieties and fulfill your inner desires.
To use smoky quartz stone in your chakra healing process and get rid of anxieties, take a piece of smoky quartz and place it on or near the root chakra location.
Alternatively, you may hold the smoky quartz in your hand.
Sit in the lotus position or lay on your back. Identify and acknowledge your fears. Try to fully feel the sensation of gravity on your body.
Focus on how it feels as your body meets the Earth, as the floor or ground meets your body and supports you in your posture. Remember to breathe deeply.
As you breathe in, try to accept the current state of your life fully. As you breathe out, try to visualize the fearful, negative energies leaving your body, going out with your breath, and flowing directly into the smoky quartz.
The smoky quartz is an excellent stone for absorbing negativity and other unwanted energies.
Best Ways To Incorporate Smoky Quartz Into Your Life
Smoky quartz is the perfect stone to have around when facing difficult situations in life, especially when going through life-changing circumstances.
Keep a piece of smoky quartz on the dashboard in your car. You can also find beautiful smoky quartz charms that can hang from your rearview mirror. As you travel to a new destination, the smoky quartz will help you feel grounded and hopeful for a brighter future ahead.
The smoky quartz might also help ward off road rage.
Another great way to incorporate smoky quartz into your life is via forms of jewelry. Smoky quartz jewelry is a chic way to stay grounded and fashionable all at once.
Channel your inner bohemian and add a smoky quartz necklace to uplift any outfit. A smoky quartz anklet is also a great way to promote grounding through your feet.
Smoky quartz can also be a pleasant addition in the home or office space.
Try adding smoky quartz to a windowsill, desk, or coffee table to elevate the space. Clean up clutter and combine the smoky quartz with tasteful house plants to allow elements of feng shui to permeate the space.
In times of adversity, you will be grateful to have the grounding energy of the smoky crystal quartz by your side.
How To Care For Your Smoky Quartz
Because it is a stone of power, it is important to care for your smoky quartz properly.
Because the stone is so adept at capturing negativity, it must be cleansed regularly to avoid a clogging of negative energy inside the smoky quartz.
To cleanse and charge your smoky quartz, allow it to rest in direct sunlight for two to three hours.
Sunlight is extremely good at recharging the crystal. Avoid leaving your smoky crystal in the sun for too long though, because the sun can strip away the color of the crystal.
A maximum of four hours in direct sunlight is recommended for a smoky quartz.
When the crystal is not being cleansed, you may keep it in dark places such as in a protective wooden box, or simply not in direct sunlight.
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