mineral

Citrine quartz cluster

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), colored by trace iron impurities

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Yellow to honey-brown, translucent crystals on a pale quartz matrix; vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, Mohs hardness 7, no cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. The image appears consistent with citrine, though visual identification cannot rule out heat-treated amethyst or another iron-stained quartz.

Identified October 2, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystals formed as silica-rich fluids cooled in fractures or cavities; citrine coloration is associated with iron and natural or heat-induced alteration. Quartz deposits range widely in age and occur in igneous and hydrothermal settings.

Uses & applications

Used as a display specimen and, when clear and well-colored, in jewelry; quartz also has broad industrial uses in glass and electronics.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is less common than commercially heat-treated amethyst, which can develop a similar orange-yellow color.

Field identification & locations

Look for quartz’s glassy luster, hardness, and lack of cleavage; common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, and Uruguay. The specimen’s matrix and limited visible crystal quality suggest a modest collector value.