mineral

Yellow tumbled/rough chalcedony, possibly citrine or dyed agate

Chalcedony (microcrystalline SiO₂), with yellow coloration likely from iron oxides; exact identification is uncertain from the photograph

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Identified August 7, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Yellow tumbled/rough chalcedony, possibly citrine or dyed agate
Scientific name: Chalcedony (microcrystalline SiO₂), with yellow coloration likely from iron oxides; exact identification is uncertain from the photograph
Category: mineral
Identified: August 7, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $2–$15 for small common tumbled pieces; $10–$50 for attractive natural yellow chalcedony or jasper specimens. Exceptional translucent, untreated material or confirmed citrine may sell for roughly $25–$150+, depending on size, clarity, color, and workmanship.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Pale yellow to honey-colored, translucent to nearly opaque pieces with a waxy-to-vitreous luster and irregular conchoidal fractures. Chalcedony has Mohs hardness about 6.5–7, no prominent cleavage, cryptocrystalline structure, and specific gravity around 2.55–2.65. The rounded lower piece appears tumbled or naturally water-worn. The color and texture could also be yellow quartz/citrine, yellow jasper, or dyed agate; visual identification alone is not definitive.

Formation & geological history

If chalcedony, it formed when silica-rich groundwater deposited microscopic quartz fibers in cavities, fractures, or volcanic rocks. Yellow coloration commonly results from iron staining or inclusions. Chalcedony deposits range from relatively young volcanic-hosted veins to ancient formations of many geological ages. If citrine, the material is crystalline quartz colored by iron-related defects; if jasper, it contains more opaque impurities.

Uses & applications

Commonly used for beads, cabochons, carvings, tumbled stones, ornaments, and lapidary practice. Higher-quality transparent yellow quartz may be used as a gemstone. Ordinary yellow chalcedony or jasper has mainly decorative and collecting value.

Geological facts

The specimens show no obvious crystal faces, banding, or fossil structure, so a microcrystalline silica material is a reasonable possibility. Color alone is not sufficient to distinguish natural yellow chalcedony from dyed agate, citrine, or yellow jasper.

Field identification & locations

Commonly found in volcanic regions and silica-rich veins, including deposits in Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, Madagascar, India, Indonesia, and the western United States. Field tests: it should scratch ordinary glass, resist scratching by a steel knife, and leave a white streak on unglazed porcelain. A strong flashlight can reveal translucency. Magnification may show fibrous or granular texture. Dye may concentrate in cracks or pits; an acetone test on an inconspicuous area can sometimes reveal surface dye, but it may damage finishes. Confirmatory identification requires hardness, specific gravity, refractive index, and possibly chemical or microscopic testing.