mineral

Yellow Quartz (Citrine Quartz or Yellow Chalcedony)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Pale yellow to honey-brown, Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to waxy when tumbled, Crystal Structure: Trigonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65

Identified June 19, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Pale yellow to honey-brown, Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to waxy when tumbled, Crystal Structure: Trigonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling and crystallization of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in veins or cavities within igneous and metamorphic rocks. Many yellow quartz specimens are naturally heated by geothermal activity.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry casting, crystal collections, lapidary work, and sometimes as an abrasive in industrial applications.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is rare; much of the bright yellow-orange quartz sold commercially is actually heat-treated amethyst. This specimen appears to be a natural river-worn or tumbled yellow quartz pebble.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its ability to scratch glass (hardness 7) and its lack of cleavage. Commonly found in riverbeds or near granitic intrusions. Collectors look for clarity and consistent color saturation.

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

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