Rock Identifier
Quartz (Citrine / Yellow Quartz) (Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)) — mineral
mineral

Quartz (Citrine / Yellow Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, yellow to brownish-orange color due to iron impurities or natural irradiation, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system (often found as rounded or waterworn pebbles in alluvial deposits), conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.

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Physical properties

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, yellow to brownish-orange color due to iron impurities or natural irradiation, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system (often found as rounded or waterworn pebbles in alluvial deposits), conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments. Quartz is extremely resistant to weathering and often accumulates in riverbeds and alluvial plains as rounded pebbles after being transported from pegmatites or hydrothermal veins.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry, gemstone carving, decorative items, and metaphysical practices. Regionally, the given coordinates fall within Karnataka, India, an area well-known for river systems and pegmatite occurrences where quartz and gemstone pebbles are frequently found.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is much rarer than heat-treated amethyst (which is commonly sold as citrine). Most genuine natural citrine exhibits a pale yellow or smoky yellow color rather than a deep, bright orange.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified by its conchoidal fracture, lack of cleavage, and scratching glass easily (hardness 7). Frequently found in river gravels and secondary alluvial deposits.