mineral
Lemon Quartz (or Yellow Calcite)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) / Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
Color: pale yellow to golden lemon yellow. Luster: vitreous (glassy) to waxy. Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale if Quartz, 3 if Calcite. Fracture: conchoidal (glass-like) if quartz, perfect rhombohedral cleavage if calcite. Specific Gravity: 2.65 (Quartz) or 2.71 (Calcite).
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale if Quartz, 3 if Calcite
- Color
- pale yellow to golden lemon yellow
- Luster
- vitreous (glassy) to waxy
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Physical properties
Color: pale yellow to golden lemon yellow. Luster: vitreous (glassy) to waxy. Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale if Quartz, 3 if Calcite. Fracture: conchoidal (glass-like) if quartz, perfect rhombohedral cleavage if calcite. Specific Gravity: 2.65 (Quartz) or 2.71 (Calcite).
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and sedimentary environments. Many yellow quartz samples are produced by heat-treating or irradiating natural quartz, though naturally occurring yellow quartz (citrine/lemon quartz) forms from trace iron impurities under natural thermal conditions.
Uses & applications
Widely used in lapidary work, jewelry making, mineral collections, and metaphysical or decorative displays.
Geological facts
True natural lemon quartz derives its pale greenish-yellow hue from a combination of trace iron impurities and natural radiation. It is often confused with Citrine, which has a warmer golden-orange tone, and Yellow Calcite, which is much softer.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified by its glassy clarity, conchoidal fracture patterns, and light yellow color. Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia. A simple scratch test using steel (hardness 5.5) helps differentiate Quartz (harder, won't scratch) from Calcite (softer, easily scratches).
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