Fields and Applications of Quartz. Where Is Quartz Used?

Quartz is rightly considered one of the most common minerals. It occurs very often in the Earth's crust. Because it can be found in different parts of the planet, it has been widely used in many areas of human activity for many years. We will explain below why it is so popular and where it is used.

What is quartz?

Quartz is silicon dioxide (SiO2), occurring in nature as elongated hexagonal crystals. It is strong, has a relatively high melting point (about 1700 °C), and is transparent in its pure form. Due to internal deformation (the presence of air bubbles or cracks), it may have a slight white tint. Impurities in quartz give it various other shades and colors. The presence of a particular substance in its composition and the corresponding appearance of the mineral are the criteria used to classify quartz.

Types of quartz

There are quite a few types of quartz, more than 20. The purest quartz is called rock crystal; it has no impurities and is completely transparent. Morion, although it has no noticeable impurities in its composition, has a black color due to structural features and natural irradiation; this color can be changed to reddish or golden under the influence of temperature. Citrine has a yellowish tint due to the presence of iron. Other types of quartz also exist: amethyst (purple, violet), prase (green), onyx (brown), carnelian (reddish-brown), and others.

Where is quartz used?

The fields and areas of application of quartz are no less interesting. They are extensive due to the chemical, physical, and aesthetic properties of the mineral. More about each area:

1. Lamp production. Because of its high melting point and ability to transmit light, quartz is used in the production of lamps, including lamps for medical purposes.
2. Cosmetology. Water infused with quartz or fine particles of the mineral are added to cosmetic products because of the rejuvenating properties attributed to this mineral.
3. Watch production. A certain amount of quartz is used in the production of electromechanical watches. When electricity acts on quartz, periodic oscillations occur, which drive the watch mechanism.
4. Household use. Quartz (most often rock crystal) is used in the production of tableware and interior items. Quartz can also be a component of ceramic products.
5. Jewelry. Quartz has probably found its greatest use in jewelry. The geometric features of its natural form, ease of processing, and wide color range have attracted jewelers for many years. Earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, and many other jewelry items are decorated with different types of quartz.
6. Quartz glass. Quartz glass is obtained by melting quartz. Due to its physical and chemical properties, this glass is used to produce lenses, as well as flasks, crucibles, and other laboratory glassware.
7. Construction. Quartz is used as a raw material for the production of silicate blocks, cement mortars, and concrete, while quartz sand is added to building mixtures to improve their properties.
8. Dentistry. Quartz is very often used to make porcelain crowns. In their composition, this mineral accounts for approximately 15–25%.

Quartz is also widely used in the production of radio and television equipment, optical instruments, and generators.

Therefore, it can be safely stated that quartz is used in a wide variety of areas of human activity. Thanks to large natural reserves of quartz, its unique properties, relative ease of use, and high aesthetic qualities, this mineral will remain in demand in everyday life and industry for a long time.