Synthetic Quartz Characteristics
Type: Quartz
Mohs hardness scale: 7
Color: Varied
Synthetic quartz crystal, a single crystal, is grown using the hydrothermal synthesis method.
A solution-based technique called hydrothermal growth is used. This technique is very similar to the processes used to form natural quartz crystals. Hydrothermal growth takes place in steel pressure vessels called autoclaves.
In quartz synthesis, powdered, natural, high-quality (but not electrolytic) quartz, called “Laskas,” is mixed with an aqueous solution of basic sodium carbonate and then placed in high-temperature, high-pressure steel autoclaves.
The autoclaves mimic and reproduce natural processes, using the same components found in natural stone. However, these processes take place in laboratories rather than underground in nature.
Synthetic quartz is therefore identical to natural quartz, which you can read about here: Natural Quartz