mineral

Quartz (Orangey-Yellow variety)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Pale orange to yellowish-white. Luster: Vitreous to waxy. Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pale orange to yellowish-white
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified July 14, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Pale orange to yellowish-white. Luster: Vitreous to waxy. Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Forms in a wide variety of environments, most commonly from the cooling of silica-rich magma or through hydrothermal activity in veins. The orange tint is often caused by micro-inclusions of iron oxides like hematite or goethite.

Uses & applications

Used in glass manufacturing, as an abrasive, in electronics (piezoelectric properties), and frequently as a gemstone or decorative collector's item in its colored forms.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Specimens with this specific orange-yellow hue are often sold as 'Citrine' if the color is deep enough, though many natural specimens are actually ferruginous quartz.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its ability to scratch glass, lack of cleavage, and characteristic conchoidal (shell-like) fracture. It is found globally, particularly in mountainous regions and riverbeds.