Comparison · Quartz Family
Quartz vs Clear Quartz
Quartz and Clear Quartz are easy to confuse because both are quartz family. Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Quartz and Clear Quartz
- Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Quartz is Transparent to translucent, Clear Quartz is transparent.
- They overlap in clear, but Quartz also comes in purple, yellow, pink, black, gray, and brown.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Quartz is Trigonal, Clear Quartz is hexagonal.
Quartz vs Clear Quartz properties
| Property | Quartz | Clear Quartz |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Quartz Family | Quartz Family |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 7 |
| Luster | Vitreous, greasy on fracture surfaces | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 2.65 | 2.65 |
| Crystal system | Trigonal | hexagonal |
| Common colors | Colorless, White, Purple (amethyst), Yellow (citrine), Pink (rose), Brown/black (smoky) | Colorless, White |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$250+ | $5–$200+ |
Which is more valuable?
Quartz is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $35 against $25 for Clear Quartz, and premium Quartz can reach $250 or more.
About Quartz
Quartz is silicon dioxide, SiO2, one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's continental crust, crystallizing in the trigonal division of the hexagonal crystal system with a hardness of 7 that makes it a standard reference point on the Mohs scale. Its six-sided prismatic crystals, often terminated by pyramidal points, are among the most recognizable crystal shapes in mineralogy. Quartz occurs in nearly every rock type and geologic setting, from granite pegmatites to sedimentary sandstones to hydrothermal veins.
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.
Quartz vs Clear Quartz FAQ
Is Quartz the same as Clear Quartz?
No. Both are quartz family, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Quartz from Clear Quartz?
Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Hold a thin edge to the light: Quartz is Transparent to translucent, Clear Quartz is transparent. They overlap in clear, but Quartz also comes in purple, yellow, pink, black, gray, and brown.
Which is harder, Quartz or Clear Quartz?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 7.
Which is more valuable, Quartz or Clear Quartz?
Quartz is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $35 against $25 for Clear Quartz, and premium Quartz can reach $250 or more.
