Re: [ATM] Fused Quartz Blank

[Mark Cowan <toolontop@yahoo.com>]

Most of the material discussed so far is likely fused
silica, not fused quartz, at least as I understand it.

The process is different, and the material you can get
now is manufactured by GE, and is definitely fused
silica, although they refer to it generically as fused
quartz.  Take a look at GE's site:

http://www.momentivequartz.com/en/mech.htm

and click on the "hardness chart" - around room temp
fused silica is a good 2/3 harder than fused quartz. 
The ranges I've seen in Mohs are in the same ballpark,
pure quartz being crystalline probably exhibits
different hardnesses in different orientations.

I find it takes about 1/3 longer to grind and polish,
with the exception of the AlOx stages, which must be
extended well beyond normal due to the relative
hardness.  

Rather than Mohs Hardness, though, I prefer the Curly
Hardness scale - all the way from "Nayh nayh nayh"
(talc) to "Why I oughta!" (diamond).  Fill in the
blanks.  :)

Best,
Mark


--- Dominic-Luc Webb <dlwebb@canit.se> wrote:

>
> 
> Mohs Hardness (from different references):
> 
> Quartz: 7
> "fused quartz": 5.5-6.5
> borosilicate (Pyrex?): 5.0
> plate glass: 5.5
> steel nail: 5.5
> 
> Dominic
> 
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> ATM mailing list http://www.atmlist.net/



       
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