What is the Difference Between Fused Silica and Quartz?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between fused silica and quartz lies in their composition and physical properties. Here are the key differences between the two:
- Composition: Fused silica is composed of non-crystalline silica glass, while quartz is made from crystalline silica. Fused silica is an entirely synthetic material, made from silicon gas or silica sand, and is considered the purest form of glass. Quartz, on the other hand, is created from grains of naturally occurring crystalline quartz or silica grains.
- UV Transmission: Fused silica has very high transmission in the UV spectrum, whereas quartz has lower UV transmission.
- OH Content: Fused silica has a much lower OH content compared to quartz.
- Purity: Fused silica is considered the purest glass, with the highest temperature characteristics of any glass. Quartz, although made from natural materials, still retains some residual impurities from the raw material.
- Structure: Fused silica has an amorphous, cross-linked, 3D structure, while quartz has a more ordered, crystalline structure.
Both fused silica and quartz share some properties, such as low thermal expansion, excellent optical properties, high working and melting temperatures, and good chemical resistance. They are widely used in various industries, including metallurgy, chemical and pharmaceutical, construction, communications, semiconductors, defense/military, and environmental protection.
Comparative Table: Fused Silica vs Quartz
Fused silica and quartz are both forms of silicon dioxide, but they differ in their manufacturing processes, properties, and impurities. Here is a table highlighting the differences between fused silica and quartz:
| Property | Fused Silica | Quartz |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Non-crystalline, amorphous | Crystalline |
| Formation | Created from silicon gas or silica sand (non-crystalline) | Crafted from naturally occurring crystalline quartz or silica grains |
| Ultraviolet Transparency | Significant transparency into deep ultraviolet | Low ultraviolet transparency due to residual impurities from raw material |
| Infrared Transparency | Affected by residual impurities from water vapor in processing | Not affected by residual impurities from water vapor in processing |
| OH Content | Low OH content | Higher OH content |
| Thermal Expansion | Very low thermal expansion | Lower thermal expansion compared to fused silica |
| Applications | Ideal for high-temperature viewports, optical windows, and UV applications | Suitable for applications requiring good chemical resistance and low thermal expansion |
Fused silica is an entirely synthetic material with a highly cross-linked, 3D structure, making it the purest glass known, with the highest temperature characteristics of any glass. On the other hand, quartz is a naturally occurring substance made from crystalline silica and is more versatile. Both materials have excellent thermal properties and high resistance to chemicals, making them suitable for various applications.
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