mineral
Yellow Quartz
SiO2
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: yellow to pale yellow, Luster: vitreous (glassy), Crystal structure: trigonal, Cleavage: indistinct, Specific gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: yellow to pale yellow, Luster: vitreous (glassy), Crystal structure: trigonal, Cleavage: indistinct, Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and some sedimentary rocks. Yellow color can be due to iron impurities or natural irradiation.
Uses & applications
Used in jewelry, decorative items, and sometimes industrial applications for its hardness.
Geological facts
Often mistaken for Citrine, which is a specific variety of yellow quartz, but many stones sold as citrine are heat-treated amethyst. Natural pale yellow quartz is common.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its hardness (scratches glass), conchoidal fracture, and lack of cleavage. Common in many quartz-rich environments worldwide.
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