Kvartsina

Kvartsina is a regional term used to refer to a silica-based material derived from quartz. It is not recognized as a distinct mineral species by major mineralogical databases, and in scientific usage may denote fused silica or quartz glass rather than a separate mineral.

Chemically, kvartsina consists mainly of silicon dioxide (SiO2). In glass form it is amorphous; if crystallized it resembles quartz. Purity varies, with common impurities including alumina (Al2O3), alkalis (Na2O, K2O), and iron oxides that influence color and refractive properties.

Physically kvartsina is transparent or translucent and ranges from colourless to pale yellow or blue depending on impurities. It has a high melting point and chemical resistance, a refractive index near 1.45–1.46, and a Mohs hardness around 5.5. Glassy kvartsina has low optical dispersion and excellent thermal stability, especially in fused silica forms.

Occurrence and production: There is no natural mineral called kvartsina as a separate species; it is produced industrially by melting high-purity quartz sand or silica and forming the molten material into glass, tubes, rods, or wafers. Commercial processes include flame fusion and careful cooling to minimize crystallization.

Uses: Kvartsina is widely used in optics, photonics, laboratory ware, semiconductor equipment, and protective windows because of its clarity, chemical resistance, and thermal stability. Fused silica versions are common in UV and IR applications due to low impurity absorption.

See also: Quartz, Fused silica, Quartz glass, Silica.