mineral

Yellow chalcedony (likely tumbled citrine or yellow jasper)

Microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂; exact variety is uncertain from the image

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small polished, rounded yellow-orange specimen with a waxy to vitreous luster and apparently translucent edges. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and specific gravity about 2.65; chalcedony is cryptocrystalline quartz, while jasper is opaque and impurity-rich.

Identified August 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Chalcedony forms when silica-rich groundwater fills cavities and fractures, commonly in volcanic rocks; yellow color may result from iron compounds. Citrine forms in quartz veins or geodes, and yellow jasper forms through silica replacement and cementation; ages vary widely.

Uses & applications

Used as a lapidary and jewelry stone, carving material, ornamental pebble, and collectible. Commercial value is generally modest unless color, translucency, pattern, or provenance is exceptional.

Geological facts

The image alone cannot reliably distinguish yellow chalcedony, natural citrine, dyed quartz, or yellow jasper. A polished surface and uniform shape indicate tumbling or cutting rather than natural exposure.

Field identification & locations

Test hardness against glass, inspect translucency and internal texture, and use a loupe for dye concentration in cracks; laboratory refractive-index or spectroscopy testing gives a reliable identification. Common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, India, and the western United States.