The exquisite beauty of quartz and diamonds have earned them a special place in the world of jewelry and accessories. But despite their similarity in look, these two stones actually differ in many ways. This article will discuss the different properties and characteristics of both quartz and diamonds in order to help people decide which gem is best suited to their needs.

1. Composition

The major difference between quartz and diamond is their composition. Quartz is made up of silicon dioxide and is technically classified as an oxide mineral. On the other hand, diamond is composed of pure carbon and is known as a precious stone. As a result of its chemical composition, quartz is deemed less expensive than diamond and is much more accessible.

In terms of hardness, diamond ranks as the hardest known mineral on the Mohs Scale of Hardness scale, with a score of 10. Quartz, on the other hand, only has a 7 on the Mohs Scale, making it harder than many other minerals but still significantly softer than a diamond.

2. Color

The hue of quartz can vary and can reflect a number of different colors. Most commonly, quartz is found in pink, purple and white tones. Its hue can be further altered via various treatments and impurities. On the other hand, diamonds are available in a wide variety of colors depending on the individual stone.

Diamonds most commonly present themselves in shades of yellow, blue, green, brown and sometimes even black. The clarity of the diamond also contributes to its color. A highly clear diamond has a better chance of reflecting brighter colors while a lower clarity diamond reflects a much darker hue.