mineral

Tumbled yellow quartz, likely citrine or iron-stained quartz

Quartz (SiO₂), possibly citrine variety

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 7; pale yellow, translucent, vitreous to waxy luster, no visible cleavage, conchoidal fracture, hexagonal crystal structure. The rounded surface indicates tumbling and polishing.

Identified August 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Mohs hardness 7; pale yellow, translucent, vitreous to waxy luster, no visible cleavage, conchoidal fracture, hexagonal crystal structure. The rounded surface indicates tumbling and polishing.

Formation & geological history

Quartz forms in igneous, hydrothermal, and metamorphic environments; yellow color may result from iron impurities or heat treatment of amethyst. Natural quartz ranges from Precambrian to recent deposits.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative and lapidary stone, jewelry, and collectible; tumbled pieces are commonly sold for a few dollars.

Geological facts

True natural citrine is relatively uncommon; much commercial “citrine” is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz. The image alone cannot reliably distinguish these varieties.

Field identification & locations

Likely quartz if it scratches glass and does not react with dilute acid; citrine is typically transparent golden-yellow, while iron-stained quartz may be cloudy or unevenly colored. Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, Uruguay, and the United States.