What is the breaking point of quartz crystal

In summary, the breaking point of quartz crystal ranges from 6-7 on the Mohs scale of hardness and is determined by conducting stress tests. It cannot be increased but can be affected by factors such as temperature, impurities, and applied pressure. The breaking point may also vary depending on the type of quartz, but all types are considered to be durable and strong minerals.
  • #1
Kalrag
104
0
So how many pounds does it take for quartz to break into several diffrent peices?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Do you have any details at all? Quartz has no preferred plane of cleavage, so we're looking at fracture instead. The cleaner and the purer the crystal, the stronger it should be.
 

What is the breaking point of quartz crystal?

The breaking point of quartz crystal varies depending on the type of quartz and its crystal structure. Generally, the breaking point ranges from 6-7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making quartz one of the hardest minerals.

How is the breaking point of quartz crystal determined?

The breaking point of quartz crystal is determined by conducting a series of stress tests on the crystal. This involves applying pressure or force to the crystal until it fractures. The amount of pressure or force needed to cause the fracture is then measured and recorded.

Can the breaking point of quartz crystal be increased?

No, the breaking point of quartz crystal cannot be increased. It is a physical property of the mineral and cannot be altered. However, the crystal can be cut or shaped in a way that distributes stress more evenly, making it less likely to break.

What factors can affect the breaking point of quartz crystal?

The breaking point of quartz crystal can be affected by various factors such as temperature, impurities within the crystal, and the direction of applied pressure. Higher temperatures can weaken the crystal structure, impurities can create weak points in the crystal, and applying pressure in different directions can cause different types of fractures.

Is the breaking point of quartz crystal the same for all types of quartz?

No, the breaking point of quartz crystal can vary depending on the type of quartz. For example, amethyst and citrine have a slightly lower breaking point compared to clear quartz due to the presence of impurities. However, the difference is minimal and all types of quartz are still considered to be very durable and strong minerals.

Similar threads

  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
9K
Replies
35
Views
31K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
15
Views
9K
Replies
4
Views
10K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Back
Top