mineral
Tumbled amber-colored glassy mineral specimens
Likely citrine or yellow chalcedony; exact identification is uncertain from the photograph
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectTranslucent yellow-green to honey-yellow, vitreous/waxy luster, rounded by tumbling, and apparently massive rather than visibly crystalline. If citrine, hardness is Mohs 7; if chalcedony, 6.5–7, with conchoidal fracture and no cleavage.
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Physical properties
Translucent yellow-green to honey-yellow, vitreous/waxy luster, rounded by tumbling, and apparently massive rather than visibly crystalline. If citrine, hardness is Mohs 7; if chalcedony, 6.5–7, with conchoidal fracture and no cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Citrine forms in hydrothermal quartz veins, while yellow chalcedony forms as silica deposited in cavities and fractures; both are geologically ancient and occur worldwide. The smooth surfaces indicate human tumbling and polishing.
Uses & applications
Used as inexpensive cabochons, jewelry, ornamental stones, and lapidary material; common tumbled pieces have modest value.
Geological facts
The strong uniform color and rounded edges may also indicate dyed quartz, calcite, or even resin, so visual identification alone is not definitive.
Field identification & locations
Common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, India, and the United States. Test hardness against glass, inspect for bubbles or flow lines, and use refractive index or specific gravity testing for confirmation.
