mineral

Tumbled yellow chalcedony (likely yellow jasper or citrine-colored quartz)

Microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂; coloration may come from iron oxides or fine inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Smooth, opaque-to-translucent yellow oval with a waxy-to-dull luster; quartz hardness is about 7 Mohs, lacks visible cleavage, and has a microcrystalline structure. The image cannot reliably distinguish chalcedony, jasper, dyed material, or glass.

Identified August 14, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Tumbled yellow chalcedony (likely yellow jasper or citrine-colored quartz)
Scientific name: Microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂; coloration may come from iron oxides or fine inclusions
Category: mineral
Identified: August 14, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1–$10 for a common tumbled piece; $15–$50 if confirmed natural, attractive, and well-polished.

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

Chalcedony forms when silica-rich groundwater fills cavities and fractures, commonly in volcanic rocks; iron staining produces yellow tones. Formation ages vary widely, from relatively young cavities to ancient Paleozoic and older deposits.

Uses & applications

Used as a lapidary and decorative stone, cabochon, bead, and inexpensive collector specimen; polished pieces have modest jewelry value.

Geological facts

Chalcedony is cryptocrystalline quartz composed of intergrown quartz varieties. A scratch test, specific-gravity test, and close inspection for bubbles or dye concentration are needed for confident identification.

Field identification & locations

Common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, India, Madagascar, Mexico, and the western United States. It should resist scratching by a steel knife; glass-like bubbles or perfectly uniform color may indicate an imitation.