An incredibly ancient stone, like most of the Quartz family, Smoky Quartz is perhaps best known in Celtic cultures. The national gemstone of Scotland is a variety of Smoky Quartz known as Cairngorm from the name of the mountains where it is mined. Known best as a stone of power, Smoky Quartz has in legend been associated with the goddess Hecate and the dark magical powers of the earth itself. This stone was often used as ornamentation for those in positions of power in Scotland, including warriors and even the royalty who adored it enough to grant it the title of their national gem!In more of a practical sense, in the 12th century Smoky Quartz was utilized in an incredibly insightful manner by the Chinese. They would cut it into the perfect shape and size for eyeglasses, and created sunglasses which closely resemble the sunglasses we use today.