mineral
Tumbled yellow quartz (likely citrine or iron-stained quartz)
Quartz, SiO₂; yellow color commonly from iron impurities or irradiation
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness 7; translucent yellow-orange body, vitreous to waxy polish, uneven internal veils, and no visible cleavage. Quartz is trigonal and has specific gravity about 2.65.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness 7; translucent yellow-orange body, vitreous to waxy polish, uneven internal veils, and no visible cleavage. Quartz is trigonal and has specific gravity about 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids and igneous rocks; yellow coloration may develop from iron staining or heat treatment. The rounded shape is human-tumbled, so its original geological age cannot be determined.
Uses & applications
Used as a lapidary stone, carving material, ornamental object, and inexpensive jewelry gemstone; natural citrine can be collectible.
Geological facts
True natural citrine is relatively uncommon; much commercial “citrine” is heat-treated amethyst, typically showing stronger orange tones and reddish tips.
Field identification & locations
Quartz scratches glass and steel but not with a steel knife; it lacks calcite-like effervescence and has no obvious cleavage. Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, Uruguay, and hydrothermal quartz veins worldwide.
