Mystery Gem Stone

[Nick martin]

Hi All,

Got a quick question please... a family member gave me this stone the other day as it was going to be scrapped. Bought in Saudi about 30yrs ago, has no hallmarks on the metal or marks etc on the stone. It was suggested that its Jet but Im doubtful as its too light, especially if its held up to the light.

Do any members have an idea, or how would I go about identifying it?

Approximate size is: 40mm x 20mm

Many thanks,

Nick

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/bikeslag/jewel1.jpg

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/bikeslag/jewel2.jpg

[louisella76]

Hi Nick

I'm not really up on gemstones at all but it looks like smoky quartz from the pictures

[silken]

That doesn't look anything like jet to me.

I'd say smoky quartz or possibly brown topaz. Topaz is harder than quartz, if you have a spare bit of quartz lying around (amethyst, rose quartz, etc) then you can try the scratch test. It won't tell you exactly what the stone is but you'll know which one is harder on the mohs scale :)

[Patstone]

I dont know a lot about gemstones either but my guess is smoky quartz too.

[Pauline]

Looks like smokey quartz. I don't think it is jet