gemstone

Polished honey-yellow quartz-like crystal

Quartz (SiO₂), possibly citrine or heat-treated amethyst

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Transparent pale yellow-orange, vitreous luster, and a faceted/polished rectangular form. Quartz hardness is 7 Mohs, lacks cleavage, has a trigonal crystal structure, and specific gravity about 2.65; the photo cannot confirm whether the color is natural or treated.

Identified September 8, 2026More gemstone →

Explore Polished honey-yellow quartz-like crystal 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

Quartz forms in hydrothermal veins and cavities in igneous and metamorphic rocks; citrine is generally late-stage quartz colored by iron impurities. The specimen may also be cut glass or synthetic material, so geological identification requires testing.

Uses & applications

Used as a small gemstone, ornament, or collector piece; quality natural citrine is faceted for jewelry. Common treated quartz is inexpensive.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is relatively uncommon; much commercial “citrine” is heat-treated amethyst. A refractometer, specific-gravity test, and loupe examination can distinguish quartz from glass more reliably than appearance alone.

Field identification & locations

Brazil, including Minas Gerais near the reported location, is a major quartz and citrine source. Check for curved bubbles (glass), natural inclusions, quartz-like doubling of facet edges, and scratch resistance; definitive identification needs gemological testing.