Yellow quartz, known as false topaz, Bohemian, occidental, Indian, or Spanish topaz, resembles the real topaz in color, but is softer, lighter, different in crystallization and cleavage, and in electrical properties.

In color, this stone varies from the lightest yellow to orange-red and brown.

Most of the yellow quartz comes from Brazil, and much of it is changed to yellow by burning amethyst and smoky quartz.