mineral
Yellow quartz (likely lemon quartz/citrine)
Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂); yellow coloration may be iron-related citrine or surface treatment
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectPale yellow, translucent, vitreous-to-waxy luster, and apparently tumbled with no visible crystal faces. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal structure, conchoidal fracture, no cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.65; the image alone cannot distinguish natural citrine from dyed or coated quartz.
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Physical properties
Pale yellow, translucent, vitreous-to-waxy luster, and apparently tumbled with no visible crystal faces. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal structure, conchoidal fracture, no cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.65; the image alone cannot distinguish natural citrine from dyed or coated quartz.
Formation & geological history
Quartz forms in igneous, hydrothermal, and metamorphic environments; citrine commonly develops from iron-bearing quartz during heating. Geological ages vary widely, from recent hydrothermal growth to ancient crystalline-rock formation.
Uses & applications
Used as a lapidary stone, jewelry, ornament, and collector specimen; quartz is also important in glass, ceramics, electronics, and industrial abrasives.
Geological facts
Natural citrine is relatively uncommon; much commercial yellow quartz is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz. A scratch test against glass can support quartz identification, but may damage the specimen.
Field identification & locations
Commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, Spain, Russia, and the United States. Confirm with hardness, refractive index, and examination for dye concentration in cracks or a surface coating.
