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  • Quartz vs. Diamond: Simple Tests to Tell Them Apart
    Quartz and diamond are two of the most common minerals on Earth. While they share some similarities, there are also some key differences. Here are a few ways to test quartz from diamond:

    1. Hardness. Quartz is a 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, while diamond is a 10. This means that diamond can scratch quartz, but quartz cannot scratch diamond.

    2. Cleavage. Quartz has a conchoidal fracture, which means that it breaks into curved, shell-like pieces. Diamond has a cubic cleavage, which means that it breaks into flat, even pieces.

    3. Luster. Quartz has a vitreous luster, which means that it shines like glass. Diamond has an adamantine luster, which is a bright, sparkling shine.

    4. Specific gravity. Quartz has a specific gravity of 2.65, while diamond has a specific gravity of 3.52. This means that quartz is less dense than diamond.

    5. Conductivity. Quartz is a poor conductor of electricity, while diamond is a good conductor of electricity.

    6. Refractive index. Quartz has a refractive index of 1.544, while diamond has a refractive index of 2.417. This means that diamond bends light more than quartz does.

    By using these tests, you can easily identify quartz from diamond.

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