I'm not the most knowledgeable on metaphysical properties ( I collect them just for art and décor ) but I guess any answer is better than no answer, and I have learned a thing or two just collecting crystals, even if I myself don't " practice " or " work " with crystals.
Try cleansing them under the light of a full moon, that is supposed to remove any negative energies.
Try simply talking to them, that works for some people.
Again, I'm not the best person to talk to because I personally don't feel anything spiritual from them, I don't seem to be sensitive enough to their energies. I actually could use some help in connecting to them as well.
BTW, smokey quartz is awesome. One of the nicest looking most interesting quartz in my opinion. I have an almost 10 LBS smokey citrine from Tibet, the thing is unreal.
