mineral

Likely citrine or yellow quartz fragment

Quartz, SiO₂; possibly iron-colored citrine

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small translucent yellow-brown fragment with a vitreous luster and apparent conchoidal fracture; quartz hardness is 7 Mohs, lacks cleavage, and has a hexagonal crystal structure. The image is too low-resolution for confident separation from amber, yellow calcite, or glass.

Identified September 12, 2026More mineral →

Explore Likely citrine or yellow quartz fragment in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Citrine forms when trace iron colors quartz during hydrothermal growth or heat alteration of amethyst; quartz is common from Precambrian to modern geological settings. A natural specimen may come from pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, or alluvial deposits.

Uses & applications

Used as a gemstone, ornamental material, and mineral-collection specimen; transparent, well-colored crystals are faceted or polished.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is uncommon; much commercial “citrine” is heat-treated amethyst. Quartz should scratch glass, while calcite is much softer and amber is lightweight and resinous.

Field identification & locations

Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, Spain, and Uruguay. Check for quartz-like hardness, glassy luster, and lack of effervescence in dilute acid; testing should be done on an inconspicuous area.