mineral

Yellow-orange quartz/chalcedony pebble (possibly citrine-bearing)

Quartz, SiO₂; likely microcrystalline chalcedony with iron staining

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 6.5–7 Mohs; translucent yellow-orange body, waxy to glassy luster, and no obvious cleavage. The rounded form suggests natural abrasion or tumbling; color may come from iron oxides rather than true citrine.

Identified September 18, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Yellow-orange quartz/chalcedony pebble (possibly citrine-bearing)
Scientific name: Quartz, SiO₂; likely microcrystalline chalcedony with iron staining
Category: mineral
Identified: September 18, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1–$10 as a common pebble or rough specimen; potentially $10–$50 if confirmed attractive natural citrine or collectible chalcedony.

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

Silica-rich fluids deposited quartz or chalcedony in veins, cavities, or volcanic rocks, with later iron staining and stream abrasion. Exact geological age and locality cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used as a lapidary, carving, and decorative material; transparent, strongly colored citrine-quality quartz can be used in jewelry. This small opaque specimen has modest commercial value.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and forms in igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic environments. A scratch test against glass can help confirm its hardness, though testing may damage the specimen.

Field identification & locations

Common in quartz veins, volcanic terrains, and gravel beds worldwide; inspect for conchoidal fracture, lack of cleavage, and ability to scratch glass. A streak test and locality information would improve identification.