Quartz vs. fused silica: what is the difference?
Quartz, fused silica, and fused silica are all part of a family of extremely pure materials with high working and melting temperatures, excellent optical properties, and low coefficients of expansion. Although they are often used interchangeably, the basic structure and creation of quartz and fused silica are different. Both are highly specialized, but they differ in their specific manifestations. Quartz Quartz is a versatile natural substance with good electrical, optical and thermal properties as well as corrosion resistance. In the manufacturing process, quartz glass or fused silica is produced by melting and purifying particles of the natural material. Key Characteristics ◮ Amorphous ◮ Non-crystalline products ◮ Low OH content ◮Made from natural crystalline quartz or silica particles ◮ Retains some residual impurities from raw materials (affects UV transparency) Fused Silica Fused silica is a completely synthetic material and is technically the purest glass available. It ha