mineral

Yellow Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

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

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or within igneous and metamorphic rocks. This specific specimen is a water-worn river pebble, likely millions of years old, shaped by alluvial erosion.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry as semi-precious stones, in crystal healing practices, or as aquarium and garden decor.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. While many yellow quartz stones are called citrine, river pebbles like this usually owe their color to tiny iron oxide inclusions.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and its smooth, rounded shape if found in water-rich environments. Common in river beds and beaches worldwide.