There are several differences, the primary one being that on the Mohs hardness scale, diamond is 10, quartz is 8. Quartz crystal is very hard, but diamond is harder.
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Quartz is a mineral composed of silicon and oxygen atoms, known for its transparency and piezoelectric properties, used in electronics and timekeeping. Diamond is a form of carbon with a crystal structure that gives it its exceptional hardness and brilliance, commonly used in jewelry and cutting tools. Quartz crystals are more widely available and affordable compared to diamond crystals, which are rarer and prized for their unique optical properties.
Quartz crystal in quartz watches works on the principle of piezoelectric effect, where the crystal vibrates at a specific frequency when an electric current is applied. This vibration is incredibly regular and precise, allowing the watch to keep accurate time. The circuit in the watch counts the vibrations of the crystal to track the passage of time.
LC oscillators use inductors and capacitors to generate a frequency, while crystal controlled oscillators use a quartz crystal to establish the frequency. LC oscillators can be less stable and accurate compared to crystal controlled oscillators, which offer better precision and stability. Crystal controlled oscillators are commonly used in applications where precise frequency control is essential.
A quartz clock is a type of clock that uses an electronic oscillator regulated by a quartz crystal to keep time. The quartz crystal vibrates at a specific frequency when an electric current passes through it, providing precise timekeeping. Quartz clocks are known for their accuracy and are commonly used in everyday timekeeping devices such as wristwatches and wall clocks.
Quartz exhibits double refraction, which means it splits incident light rays into two polarized rays that travel at different speeds and in different directions within the crystal structure. This phenomenon is a result of quartz's anisotropic crystal structure, in which light behaves differently along different axes within the crystal.
A quartz crystal is classified as a solid because its atoms are arranged in a fixed, orderly pattern. This distinguishes it from liquids, which have atoms that move more freely and do not have a fixed structure.