mineral

Yellow Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow to golden-yellow; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal System: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Yellow to golden-yellow
Luster: Vitreous

Identified July 29, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow to golden-yellow; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal System: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites through the crystallization of silica-rich solutions under high pressure and temperature over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Used in gemstone and jewelry creation, metaphysical practices, and mineral collections.

Geological facts

Yellow quartz is often naturally colored by iron impurities within the silicon dioxide crystal lattice. It is sometimes confused with citrine, though natural citrine is rarer and typically results from natural heat treatment of smoky quartz.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified by its distinctive yellow-to-amber color, conchoidal fracture, glassy luster, and ability to scratch glass due to its high hardness. Commonly found worldwide in association with pegmatites and hydrothermal deposits.