Comparison · Precious Stones vs Quartz Family
Diamond vs Clear Quartz
Diamond and Clear Quartz are easy to confuse. Diamond is harder (Mohs 10) than Clear Quartz (Mohs 7), so Diamond will scratch Clear Quartz and not the other way round. It scratches glass and a steel knife and cannot be scratched by a steel file. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Diamond and Clear Quartz
- Diamond is harder (Mohs 10) than Clear Quartz (Mohs 7), so Diamond will scratch Clear Quartz and not the other way round. It scratches glass and a steel knife and cannot be scratched by a steel file.
- Streak color differs: Diamond leaves a none streak on unglazed porcelain, Clear Quartz leaves white.
- Diamond feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.52 versus 2.65 for Clear Quartz).
- They overlap in clear, but Diamond also comes in yellow, blue, pink, and black.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Diamond is cubic, Clear Quartz is hexagonal.
Diamond vs Clear Quartz properties
| Property | Diamond | Clear Quartz |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Precious Stones | Quartz Family |
| Mohs hardness | 10 | 7 |
| Luster | adamantine | vitreous |
| Streak | None | White |
| Transparency | transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 3.52 | 2.65 |
| Crystal system | cubic | hexagonal |
| Common colors | Colorless, Yellow, Blue, Pink, Black | Colorless, White |
| Rarity | legendary | common |
| Typical specimen value | $1000–$100000+ | $5–$200+ |
Which is more valuable?
Diamond is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $5000 against $25 for Clear Quartz, and premium Diamond can reach $100000 or more.
About Diamond
Diamond is the hardest known natural material, composed of carbon atoms in a crystal structure. It's the ultimate symbol of luxury and eternal love.
About Clear Quartz
Clear quartz, also known as rock crystal, is the purest form of quartz. It's been used for jewelry, carvings, and spiritual purposes throughout history.
Diamond vs Clear Quartz FAQ
Is Diamond the same as Clear Quartz?
No. Diamond is a precious stone while Clear Quartz is a quartz family. Diamond is harder (Mohs 10) than Clear Quartz (Mohs 7), so Diamond will scratch Clear Quartz and not the other way round. It scratches glass and a steel knife and cannot be scratched by a steel file.
How can you tell Diamond from Clear Quartz?
Diamond is harder (Mohs 10) than Clear Quartz (Mohs 7), so Diamond will scratch Clear Quartz and not the other way round. It scratches glass and a steel knife and cannot be scratched by a steel file. Streak color differs: Diamond leaves a none streak on unglazed porcelain, Clear Quartz leaves white. Diamond feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.52 versus 2.65 for Clear Quartz).
Which is harder, Diamond or Clear Quartz?
Diamond is harder: Mohs 10 against Mohs 7 for Clear Quartz.
Which is more valuable, Diamond or Clear Quartz?
Diamond is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $5000 against $25 for Clear Quartz, and premium Diamond can reach $100000 or more.
