mineral

Yellow Quartz (Citrine Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to golden yellow; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pale yellow to golden yellow
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified July 25, 2026More mineral →

Explore Yellow Quartz (Citrine Quartz) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to golden yellow; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Forms in igneous rocks like pegmatites and granites, as well as hydrothermal veins. Often heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz, though natural yellow quartz occurs when trace amounts of iron are present in the quartz lattice.

Uses & applications

Popular as a gemstone, for lapidary work, jewelry making, and metaphysical/crystal collecting.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is relatively rare compared to heat-treated quartz. It is known as the 'Merchant's Stone' in folklore because it was believed to attract wealth and prosperity.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its ability to scratch glass (Mohs 7), lack of cleavage, vitreous luster, and translucent pale yellow coloration. Commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, Russia, and the USA.