mineral

Quartz (Citrine or Iron-Stained)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Yellow-brown to amber due to iron hydration or natural irradiation. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal. Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified May 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites through the crystallization of silica-rich solutions. Often found in geode cavities or as massive granular forms within igneous and metamorphic rocks.

Uses & applications

Widely used in jewelry (as a gemstone), as healing crystals in the metaphysical community, and for mineral collection. High-purity quartz is also used in electronics and glass manufacturing.

Geological facts

Citrine is often called the 'Merchant's Stone' as it was historically believed to bring prosperity. Most commercial citrine is actually heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and translucent amber color. Common in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia. Look for conchoidal fractures and a lack of bubbly textures found in glass imitations.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Biotite Schist

Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]

metamorphic

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral