mineral
Clear Quartz / Diamond (untested)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) or Carbon (C)
Hardness: 7 (Quartz) to 10 (Diamond); Color: Colorless and transparent; Luster: Vitreous to adamantine; Crystal system: Trigonal (Quartz) or Isometric (Diamond); Cleavage: None in Quartz, Octahedral in Diamond
- Hardness
- 7 (Quartz) to 10 (Diamond)
- Color
- Colorless and transparent
- Luster
- Vitreous to adamantine
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Quartz) to 10 (Diamond); Color: Colorless and transparent; Luster: Vitreous to adamantine; Crystal system: Trigonal (Quartz) or Isometric (Diamond); Cleavage: None in Quartz, Octahedral in Diamond
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and metamorphic rocks (if Quartz), or deep in the Earth's mantle under high pressure and temperature (if Diamond).
Uses & applications
Used extensively in electronics, optics, jewelry, gemstone collections, and industrial abrasives.
Geological facts
Clear quartz crystals are known as 'rock crystal' and were historically believed to be permanently frozen ice. Diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring material on Earth.
Field identification & locations
Field identification can be tested using hardness scratch tests, specific gravity measurements, or thermal conductivity detectors. Found in alluvial gravels, pegmatites, and kimberlites worldwide.
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Mineral
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Mineral/Rock