Yellow Quartz (Citrine-colored Quartz Pebble)

Physical Properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to golden honey; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & Geological History

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in veins or granite pegmatites. This specific specimen appears to be a water-worn, tumbled pebble likely eroded from its primary source over millions of years.

Uses & Applications

Used primarily for decorative purposes, stone collection, lapidary work (tumbling/polishing), and in 'healing crystal' practices as a manifestation stone.

Geological Facts

Natural yellow quartz is often rare; most commercial citrine is actually heat-treated amethyst. This specimen's pale, cloudy appearance suggests it is a natural quartzite or ferruginous quartz pebble colored by iron oxides.

Field Identification & Locations

Identify it by its inability to be scratched by a steel knife and its lack of cleavage. It is commonly found in riverbeds and coastal areas where harder minerals accumulate after softer rocks have eroded away.

Identified on: 4/21/2026

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