mineral

Quartz (Citrine or Iron-Stained variety)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellowish-tan to brownish-orange; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Yellowish-tan to brownish-orange
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified March 14, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellowish-tan to brownish-orange; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous or metamorphic environments through hydrothermal processes. Silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins or cavities within rocks. Geological age varies from millions to billions of years depending on the host rock formation.

Uses & applications

Common industrial use in glassmaking and abrasives. In this specimen's form, it is primarily used for jewelry, crystal healing, or amateur mineral collecting.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. This specific specimen appears to be a 'double-terminated' crystal or a river-worn fragment, naturally shaped by water erosion or growth in a pocket.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. This specimen shows a characteristic translucent tan translucency common in iron-included quartz found in gravel pits or dry riverbeds.

Other mineral specimens

See all

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

Green Apatite on Albite

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

mineral

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral