mineral

Tumbled citrine or iron-stained quartz

Quartz (SiO₂), likely iron-oxide-stained or natural citrine

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; yellow-gold, cream, and brown coloration with a waxy-to-glassy luster and granular/translucent texture. Quartz is trigonal and lacks cleavage, breaking conchoidally; specific gravity is about 2.65.

Identified August 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or igneous melts; yellow color commonly comes from iron impurities or heating. The specimen is likely a naturally weathered or tumbled fragment, with age dependent on its host rock.

Uses & applications

Used as a lapidary material, ornamental stone, and inexpensive gemstone; quartz is also important in glass, electronics, and industrial abrasives.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is relatively uncommon; much commercial “citrine” is heat-treated amethyst. Iron staining can produce yellow-brown quartz without true citrine coloration.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its glassy luster, hardness, lack of cleavage, and inability to scratch it with a steel knife; a streak test should be white. Common worldwide, especially in Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, and hydrothermal vein districts.