mineral
Quartz (Golden Quartz / Citrine / Iron-stained Quartz)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Mohs hardness of 7, glassy to vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, hexagonal crystal system, transparent to translucent with pale yellow-gold staining
Identified More mineral →
Explore Quartz (Golden Quartz / Citrine / Iron-stained Quartz) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 7, glassy to vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, hexagonal crystal system, transparent to translucent with pale yellow-gold staining
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and metamorphic rocks. Golden hues often come from iron inclusions or natural radiation.
Uses & applications
Popular for crystal collecting, lapidary projects, metaphysical practices, and gemstone jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth's continental crust. Pure quartz is clear, but trace elements create a vast array of colorful varieties.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its ability to easily scratch glass (Mohs 7), lack of cleavage, vitreous luster, and typical conchoidal fracture patterns. Commonly found worldwide.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock