What's the difference between smoky topaz and smoky quartz?

Good question. The truth is they're the same stone. Actually "smoky Topaz" doesn't exist. There's no such thing. It's all "smoky quartz." But sometimes smoky quartz is called smoky topaz. Citrine, which is a different type of crystal is also sometimes referred to as topaz. but that's false. Smoky quartz sometimes forms with citrine, and then what you get is quartz with two different colors. Sometimes smoky quartz can contain rutile inclusions, rutile being a separate mineral. In this case the smoky quartz would be referred to as rutilated. the rutile inclusions can be red, gray or brown, and the inclusions look like stripes within the crystal. It's very pretty. smoky quartz is a beautiful gemstone. It isn't topaz, though, that's a common mistake. Don't get confused!

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Hi. I've never heard of smoky topaz, and I like my crystals. Topaz can come in blue brown, yellow, gray, orange, or transparent (if it's pure.) there is a type of topaz called "Imperial" that can sometimes come in pink, but that's rare. In any case topaz is definitely not smoky. It sounds like the sites were very confused. Quartz has a variety called "smoky quartz," but if these online stores didn't know the difference between quartz and topaz, I wouldn't shop there. They may be trying to sell something for a higher price because it sounds like a more valuable stone if it's called "topaz." I would be cautious of doing business with them. Even if it is an innocent mistake, do you really want to buy crystals from some one who doesn't know the proper names of the stones they are selling?

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