mineral

Yellow Quartz (Citrine / Golden Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: pale golden-yellow to honey; Luster: vitreous; Crystal system: trigonal/hexagonal; Fracture: conchoidal; Specific gravity: approx. 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: pale golden-yellow to honey
Luster: vitreous

Identified October 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: pale golden-yellow to honey; Luster: vitreous; Crystal system: trigonal/hexagonal; Fracture: conchoidal; Specific gravity: approx. 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed in pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, or metamorphic quartz veins; natural yellow quartz obtains color from ferric iron impurities or natural irradiation, though some specimens are heat-treated or irradiated amethyst/smoky quartz.

Uses & applications

Cut and polished into ornamental shapes (eggs, spheres), cabochons, and faceted gemstones for jewelry and decorative display; widely used in metaphysical crystal collections.

Geological facts

Quartz carved into the shape of an egg has been historically symbolic of rebirth and new beginnings. Natural pale citrine or lemon quartz is far rarer than deep orange varieties created by heating amethyst.

Field identification & locations

Identifiable by its vitreous luster, lack of cleavage, conical fracture, inability to be scratched by steel (hardness 7), and pale transparent to translucent yellow hue. Commonly sourced from Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.