mineral
Quartz (Citrine or Smoky variety)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to light brownish-tan; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pale yellow to light brownish-tan
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to light brownish-tan; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous environments like pegmatites or hydrothermal veins as silica-rich fluids cool. It can also be found as secondary crystals in sedimentary geodes. Quartz is found in almost all geological periods.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as a gemstone for jewelry, in electronics for its piezoelectric properties, and as a popular collector's mineral due to its durability.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Citrine is the yellow-to-orange variety of quartz and is often rare in nature; many commercial citrines are actually heat-treated amethyst.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (it will scratch glass), its conchoidal (shell-like) fracture, and lack of true cleavage. Commonly found in riverbeds, mountains, and desert environments worldwide.
