mineral

Tumbled citrine or yellow quartz

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂); likely iron-colored citrine or iron-stained quartz

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; translucent honey-yellow to brown, vitreous to resinous luster, and typically massive with no visible cleavage. Quartz has a hexagonal crystal structure, though tumbling has rounded and polished the specimen.

Identified August 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in silica-rich hydrothermal veins, cavities, and pegmatites; yellow color commonly results from iron impurities or heat alteration of amethyst. The specimen’s geological age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used as a collector stone, carving material, and occasional gemstone; clear, naturally colored citrine is used in jewelry. Common commercial tumbled pieces generally have modest value.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is relatively uncommon; much orange-yellow “citrine” sold commercially is heat-treated amethyst. Quartz commonly produces a white streak and should scratch ordinary glass.

Field identification & locations

Likely quartz if it scratches glass, shows no obvious cleavage, and has a glassy surface; calcite is softer and may fizz weakly in dilute acid. Common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, and the United States.