
mineral
Yellow Quartz
SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to honey gold; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pale yellow to honey gold
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to honey gold; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through the crystallization of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in veins or pegmatites, or as a secondary mineral in sedimentary environments where quartz is tumbled and stained by iron oxides.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in tumbled stone jewelry, decorative carvings, and as a popular metaphysical or spiritual gemstone for collectors.
Geological facts
Yellow quartz is often confused with Citrine, but natural Citrine is rarer; many yellow quartz specimens are actually milky quartz that has been naturally or artificially stained or heat-treated.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass), its conchoidal (shell-like) fracture, and lack of cleavage. It is found globally, with significant deposits in Brazil, Madagascar, and the USA.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary