mineral

Likely citrine (yellow quartz) crystal

Quartz, SiO₂; identification is tentative from the photo

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small, translucent honey-yellow crystal with vitreous luster and irregular fractures; quartz has Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal structure, and no cleavage. The specimen’s crystal form is not clearly visible.

Identified September 26, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or pegmatites; natural citrine is uncommon and typically forms in igneous or hydrothermal settings. Its geological age cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Quartz is widely used in glass, electronics, and abrasives; attractive citrine crystals are cut for jewelry or kept as collectibles.

Geological facts

Much commercial citrine is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz; color alone cannot establish whether this specimen is natural citrine.

Field identification & locations

Check for quartz’s hardness, glassy luster, and lack of cleavage; yellow calcite or other minerals can look similar. Quartz occurs worldwide, including Brazil, Madagascar, and the Alps.