mineral

Tumbled yellow quartz, likely citrine or iron-stained quartz

Quartz (SiO₂), possibly citrine variety

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; pale honey-yellow, translucent, vitreous to slightly waxy luster, with no obvious cleavage and conchoidal fracture. The rounded shape indicates tumbling or natural abrasion; color may result from iron impurities or heat treatment.

Identified September 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids and igneous melts; yellow coloration commonly develops from iron defects, irradiation, or heating. The specimen’s precise geological age and locality cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative and lapidary stone, in carvings, cabochons, and inexpensive jewelry; quartz is also important industrially in glass, electronics, and abrasives.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is relatively uncommon; much commercial “citrine” is heat-treated amethyst. A gemological test or locality information is needed to distinguish citrine from yellow chalcedony, feldspar, or glass.

Field identification & locations

Common quartz identification features are hardness sufficient to scratch ordinary glass, lack of cleavage, and a glassy luster; avoid relying on color alone. Quartz occurs worldwide, especially in Brazil, Madagascar, Uruguay, and the United States.