mineral

Tumbled citrine quartz

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), yellow variety commonly called citrine

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Translucent pale yellow to honey-colored, with a vitreous luster and irregular conchoidal fracture; quartz has Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal structure, no cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.65. The rounded surface indicates tumbling or natural water abrasion.

Identified August 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Natural citrine forms when iron impurities color quartz during hydrothermal or igneous processes; much commercial citrine is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz. Quartz is widespread in igneous and metamorphic rocks, with formation ages ranging from very recent deposits to billions of years.

Uses & applications

Used as a gemstone, ornamental tumbled stone, and collector specimen; quartz is also important industrially in glass, electronics, abrasives, and engineered stone.

Geological facts

True citrine is relatively uncommon; strongly orange or reddish material sold as citrine is often heat-treated amethyst. Its yellow color results primarily from irradiation-related defects and iron.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its yellow color, glassy luster, hardness, lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture; natural citrine often shows uneven color and crystal faces, while tumbled pieces are smoothly rounded. Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, Spain, Uruguay, and Zambia.