mineral

Yellow Quartz (Citrine or Iron-Stained Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to golden yellow; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pale yellow to golden yellow
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified April 22, 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: Pale yellow to golden yellow; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks, specifically in pegmatites or hydrothermal veins where silica-rich fluids crystallize. Its yellow color often comes from trace amounts of iron.

Uses & applications

Commonly used in jewelry as a gemstone, as well as in electronics (quartz oscillators) and abrasive manufacturing. Highly valued by mineral collectors and for metaphysical practices.

Geological facts

Naturally occurring yellow citrine is actually quite rare; most commercial citrine is 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), absence of cleavage, and translucent yellow color. Common locations include Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

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