mineral

Tumbled yellow quartz (likely iron-stained quartz)

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), with iron-oxide staining and possible minor inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; translucent honey-yellow to gray, with a vitreous luster and irregular fracture rather than cleavage. The elongated, rounded shape appears naturally worn or tumbled; crystal structure is trigonal. Exact identification is limited by the photograph.

Identified August 16, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz formed in hydrothermal veins or silica-rich cavities, commonly in igneous or metamorphic host rocks; iron oxides later produced the yellow-orange staining. Quartz is geologically widespread and may range from ancient Precambrian material to young vein deposits.

Uses & applications

Used as a lapidary, ornamental, and educational specimen; quartz is also important industrially in glass, electronics, foundry sand, and abrasives.

Geological facts

Yellow coloration can result from limonite/goethite coatings or inclusions, and should not automatically be called citrine. A steel file should not scratch quartz, though an inconspicuous test is recommended.

Field identification & locations

Commonly found in quartz veins, pegmatites, geodes, and gravel deposits worldwide, especially Brazil, Madagascar, the United States, and Europe. Unusual metallic inclusions or strong transparency would increase interest.