mineral
Tumbled citrine quartz (likely)
Quartz, SiO₂; yellow coloration may be natural or heat-treated amethyst
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectTranslucent pale-yellow, rounded and polished, with a vitreous luster; quartz has Mohs hardness 7, a trigonal crystal structure, and no cleavage. The photo does not show enough detail to confirm the variety or treatment.
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Physical properties
Translucent pale-yellow, rounded and polished, with a vitreous luster; quartz has Mohs hardness 7, a trigonal crystal structure, and no cleavage. The photo does not show enough detail to confirm the variety or treatment.
Formation & geological history
Quartz forms in silica-rich veins and cavities as mineral-bearing fluids cool; citrine is uncommon naturally and much commercial yellow quartz is heat-treated amethyst. Quartz deposits range from ancient to geologically recent.
Uses & applications
Used in jewelry, ornaments, and mineral collections; this small tumbled piece is primarily decorative.
Geological facts
Citrine and amethyst are both varieties of quartz, and heat can turn some amethyst yellow or orange.
Field identification & locations
Look for glassy luster and hardness sufficient to scratch glass, though testing may damage a specimen. Quartz occurs worldwide, notably in Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States.
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