mineral

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

Quartz, SiO₂; yellow coloration likely from iron impurities or irradiation-related defects

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 7; translucent honey-yellow color, vitreous luster, massive/granular texture, no visible cleavage, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity about 2.65. The rounded shape indicates natural abrasion or tumbling.

Identified August 16, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Tumbled yellow quartz pebble (likely citrine or iron-stained quartz)
Scientific name: Quartz, SiO₂; yellow coloration likely from iron impurities or irradiation-related defects
Category: mineral
Identified: August 16, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1–$10 for a small common tumbled pebble; $10–$50+ if naturally colored, unusually clear, or well-polished.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz formed in hydrothermal veins, cavities, or silica-rich igneous environments; yellow color may result from iron staining. Geological age is indeterminate from the photograph and may range from ancient to relatively young.

Uses & applications

Used as a lapidary and craft material, gemstone when transparent and attractive, and as a collector specimen; quartz is also important industrially in glass, electronics, and abrasives.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is uncommon; much commercial “citrine” is heat-treated amethyst. A uniform rounded form and surface wear suggest a tumbled specimen rather than a naturally terminated crystal.

Field identification & locations

Commonly found in quartz veins, stream gravels, and pegmatites worldwide, especially Brazil, Madagascar, Uruguay, and the United States. Confirm with a hardness test, streak test, and examination for quartz-like conchoidal fracture; color alone cannot distinguish citrine from stained quartz.