gemstone

Polished yellow chalcedony (likely citrine-like quartz or honey agate)

Microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂ (chalcedony; exact variety uncertain)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Translucent honey-yellow, waxy to vitreous luster, polished surface, no visible cleavage, cryptocrystalline structure; Mohs hardness 6.5–7 and specific gravity about 2.6. The internal wisps and color zoning may indicate agate or iron staining.

Identified August 23, 2026More gemstone →

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At a glance

Common name: Polished yellow chalcedony (likely citrine-like quartz or honey agate)
Scientific name: Microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂ (chalcedony; exact variety uncertain)
Category: gemstone
Identified: August 23, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for a small polished stone; $30–$100+ for larger pieces with strong translucence, attractive patterning, or confirmed natural color.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich groundwater fills cavities and fractures in volcanic rocks, precipitating quartz in microscopic layers; deposits range from Paleozoic to recent. Yellow coloration commonly comes from iron oxides or heat treatment.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, ornaments, and lapidary specimens; durable enough for jewelry but less valuable than fine transparent citrine or rare agate.

Geological facts

This appearance is commonly sold as honey chalcedony, yellow agate, or lemon quartz, labels that can overlap commercially. Color alone cannot reliably distinguish natural material from heat-treated or dyed quartz.

Field identification & locations

Common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, India, Mexico, and the United States. Identify by testing hardness against glass, observing waxy translucence and banding, and checking for bubbles or perfectly uniform color suggesting glass.