Research Center — Published Field Documentation
Smoky Quartz from Yemen — Field Documentation and Basic Gemological Observations
Concise field record of a smoky quartz specimen documented at basic gemological observation level. This record documents observations; it is not a laboratory certificate.
Specimen views as documented in the original record. Photography and documentation by Eman Galeb Hamza.
- Author / documentation
- Eman Galeb Hamza — EmanelleGrace9
- Series
- EGP Scientific Reference Series
- Original publication
- Medium — 22 December 2025
- Level of examination
- Field documentation and basic gemological observation, without advanced laboratory instrumentation
Source publication: Original Medium article — Smoky Quartz from Yemen
Specimen Record
- Material as documented
- Quartz, smoky variety (SiO₂) — recorded at field observation level
- Reported field provenance
- Yemen — as reported in the original field record; NOT an independently confirmed laboratory geographic-origin determination
- Colour
- Brown to gray, appearing stable and evenly distributed in this specimen
- Transparency
- Translucent to semi-transparent
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Surface and clarity
- Surface features and internal clarity recorded visually only
- Instrumental testing
- None performed for this record
- Documentation purpose
- Educational and foundational reference for an underrepresented geological region
Observation
A quartz specimen documented in the field and reported as originating from Yemen. The material displays the brown to gray coloration commonly associated with the smoky variety of quartz, and in this specimen the colour appears stable and evenly distributed across the crystal. Macroscopic examination records a vitreous luster and diaphaneity ranging from translucent to semi-transparent. Surface features and internal clarity were recorded visually only, without advanced laboratory instrumentation.
Interpretation
Brown to gray coloration in quartz is generally discussed in the gemological literature in relation to irradiation affecting trace aluminium within the crystal lattice. That general framework does not, on its own, establish what occurred in this specimen. Neither the smoky colour nor its apparently even distribution is sufficient to distinguish natural irradiation from artificial irradiation, and visual appearance alone cannot establish the cause of coloration or the irradiation history of the material. The provenance recorded here reflects field and supply-chain information rather than an analytical origin determination.
Conclusion and required confirmation
The specimen is documented as smoky quartz at field and basic gemological observation level, with Yemen recorded as reported field provenance. No statement is made regarding treatment status, irradiation history, or geographic origin. Advanced analytical testing at an independent qualified gemological laboratory would be required before any definitive determination of coloration cause, treatment, or origin.