mineral
Yellow Quartz (Iron-Stained Quartz)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Iron Oxide inclusions
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Bright yellow to golden-orange due to limonite/hematite staining. Luster: Vitreous to greasy when wet. Crystal system: Trigonal. Fracture: Conchoidal.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy when wet
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Bright yellow to golden-orange due to limonite/hematite staining. Luster: Vitreous to greasy when wet. Crystal system: Trigonal. Fracture: Conchoidal.
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites and is later eroded by stream or ocean water into smooth river cobbles. Iron oxides leach into microscopic fractures, giving it a vibrant yellow tint.
Uses & applications
Used for lapidary work, decorative beach pebbles, tumbling, educational geological collections, and landscape decoration.
Geological facts
Iron-stained quartz pebbles are frequently mistaken for yellow jasper, citrine, or agate. However, citrine derives its color from structural iron within the crystal lattice, whereas iron-stained quartz has external or fracture-filling iron oxides.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its translucent to semi-opaque body, hardness of 7 (scratches glass), conchoidal fracture, and bright golden-yellow color. Widely found along riverbeds, gravel bars, and coastal beaches.
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