mineral

Yellow quartz crystal (likely citrine or iron-stained quartz)

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; translucent honey-yellow color, vitreous luster, and conchoidal fracture. Quartz is trigonal and lacks cleavage; the rough chip’s color may result from iron impurities or heat treatment.

Identified September 22, 2026More mineral →

Explore Yellow quartz crystal (likely citrine or iron-stained quartz) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids and igneous pegmatites; yellow coloration commonly develops through iron-related defects. The specimen’s exact geological age and locality cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used as a gemstone, ornamental material, and collector specimen; clear, attractive pieces are cut or polished. Industrial quartz is important in glass, ceramics, abrasives, and electronics.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is relatively uncommon; much commercial “citrine” is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz. Distinguish it from yellow glass by its hardness and typical conchoidal fracture.

Field identification & locations

Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, Uruguay, Spain, and the United States. Field checks include scratching glass (quartz should scratch it) and examining for natural crystal faces, though testing should avoid damaging valuable specimens.