Have you ever notice about the different between glass and quartz crystal? In term of chemistry, glass is a mixture of various metal oxides while quartz is usually a pure form of silicon dioxide (SiO2).
For more detail on their differences, you can follow this reading.
1. As previously stated, the first difference is about its chemical composition. Natural quartz crystal contains 99% or pure silicon dioxide while glass crystal contain roughly of 80% or less of silicon dioxide.
Inindustrial section, for the glass crystal can be divided into different quality; cut crystal, fine crystal, Austrian crystal, Swarovski crystal or cut glass. These are the term for glass crystal which use for beaded necklaces, pendants and other glass crystal product. Most of these glass types contain lead, which increase glass clarity and light refraction. For Swarovski glass, it contains about 32 % lead in its glass which made its higher in quality than the other glass product.
2. The second different is about their structure. Quartz has a symmetrical structure while glass has a random structure. Whether naturally made or artificially made glass crystal, they are all have random molecular structure. For quartz and other natural occurring crystals, they have a symmetrical structure. Gems like topaz, sapphire, ruby, diamond and emerald are natural crystal which can develop for a perfectly symmetrical structure. However, they are normally become irregular according to the surrounded environment. Most of naturally occurring crystals have to be process for their perfect symmetrical form, using both cutting and polishing step. Quartz is the most popular one among natural crystals as it can come in different color and can apply for different piece of jewelry.
3. Resistant to higher temperature and pressure. Quartz crystal can resist to higher temperature and pressure than a glass crystal.
4. Electrical conductivity. Quartz is classified as an electrical conductor while glass is considered as an electrical insulator.
The use of both quartz and glass in jewelry world is quite popular. Like other crystals, the value them is depended on their luster or the amount of light refracted. Just up to you which one you would prefer. Just go with it.
