mineral

Tumbled pale-yellow quartz (likely citrine or iron-stained quartz)

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂); yellow color likely from iron-related impurities

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Translucent cream-yellow mass with a vitreous to frosted surface and no obvious cleavage; Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal structure, specific gravity about 2.65. The rounded shape indicates natural abrasion or tumbling, though the surface appears somewhat weathered.

Identified September 16, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Tumbled pale-yellow quartz (likely citrine or iron-stained quartz)
Scientific name: Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂); yellow color likely from iron-related impurities
Category: mineral
Identified: September 16, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $2–$15 as a common tumbled or rough specimen; potentially $20–$100+ if confirmed natural citrine with strong color and transparency.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich igneous, hydrothermal, and metamorphic fluids; yellow coloration may develop through iron impurities and irradiation. Its exact geological age and source cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Common quartz is used in glass, ceramics, abrasives, electronics, and engineered stone; transparent yellow material may be cut as citrine for jewelry. This specimen is likely a modest decorative or teaching sample.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is relatively uncommon; much commercial “citrine” is heat-treated amethyst. Quartz commonly shows conchoidal fracture rather than cleavage and can scratch ordinary glass.

Field identification & locations

Look for glass-like luster, hardness sufficient to scratch glass, conchoidal fracture, and lack of carbonate fizz; a streak test should be white. Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, the Alps, and hydrothermal veins worldwide.