mineral

Yellow Quartz (Citrine or Iron-stained Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Yellow to honey-brown, Luster: Vitreous/glassy, Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal, Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65

Identified May 2, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Yellow to honey-brown, Luster: Vitreous/glassy, Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal, Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous pegmatites or hydrothermal veins where silicon-rich fluids crystallize. The yellow color is caused by trace amounts of iron or natural irradiation during formation.

Uses & applications

Commonly used in jewelry, as decorative gemstones, and in metaphysical or mineral collecting. High-grade quartz is also used in the electronics industry for its piezoelectric properties.

Geological facts

Naturally occurring citrine is quite rare; most commercial 'citrine' is actually heat-treated amethyst. Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass and common pocket knives) and lack of cleavage planes. Found globally, prominent sources include Brazil, Madagascar, and the USA.

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

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Metamorphic

Epidote

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metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

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

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

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

mineral