mineral
Tumbled citrine or iron-stained quartz
Quartz (SiO₂), likely iron-oxide-stained or natural citrine
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 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 More mineral →
Explore Tumbled citrine or iron-stained quartz in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
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.
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.
