mineral

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

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂); yellow coloration likely from iron impurities

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 7; translucent pale yellow to honey-colored, with vitreous luster and no visible cleavage. The rounded, glossy shape indicates mechanical tumbling and polishing; specific gravity is about 2.65.

Identified August 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids and igneous melts; yellow color may result from trace iron or heat treatment. Natural quartz ranges from Precambrian to recent geological settings.

Uses & applications

Used as an inexpensive lapidary stone, jewelry component, ornament, and collector specimen; tumbled pieces commonly have modest value.

Geological facts

Many stones sold as “citrine” are heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz, producing stronger orange coloration. This specimen’s pale tone could also represent lemon quartz, yellow chalcedony, or calcite, which cannot be confirmed from the image alone.

Field identification & locations

Check for hardness with a steel file or glass (quartz should scratch glass), conchoidal fracture, and lack of cleavage; calcite would be much softer and fizz in acid. Common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, and the United States.