mineral
Yellow Quartz (Citrine alternative)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale yellow to honey gold; Luster: Vitreous/Glassy; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Pale yellow to honey gold
- Luster
- Vitreous/Glassy
Identified More mineral →
Explore Yellow Quartz (Citrine alternative) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale yellow to honey gold; Luster: Vitreous/Glassy; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks, particularly in pegmatites or hydrothermal veins. The yellow color is typically caused by trace amounts of iron or natural radiation during the growth process.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in jewelry as a gemstone, decorative carvings, and in metaphysical collections.
Geological facts
Natural yellow quartz is often confused with heat-treated amethyst. While true citrine is rare in nature, yellow quartz (often called ferruginous quartz) is common and gets its color from iron oxide staining or inclusions.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), conchoidal (shell-like) fracture, and lack of cleavage. Often found in riverbeds or near quartz veins. Collectors look for clarity and depth of color.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock