mineral
Quartz (Citrine / Golden Quartz)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous (glassy) luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, no cleavage, translucent to transparent, pale yellow to golden-brown coloration.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous (glassy) luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, no cleavage, translucent to transparent, pale yellow to golden-brown coloration.
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and metamorphic rocks. The yellowish tint is due to sub-microscopic iron impurities or natural irradiation within the crystal structure during growth.
Uses & applications
Popular as a gemstone for jewelry, lapidary projects, crystal healing collections, and ornamental specimens.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth's crust. Natural yellow quartz (citrine) is relatively rare compared to clear quartz, though much commercial citrine is created by heat-treating amethyst.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its ability to easily scratch glass (Mohs 7), lack of cleavage, vitreous luster, and conchoidal fracture. Commonly found in quartz veins, pegmatite deposits, and river gravels worldwide (e.g., Brazil, Madagascar, USA).
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