Difference between Fused quartz and Synthetic Fused Silica

"Fused Quartz" and "Synthetic Fused Silica" are two materials that both belong to the quartz glass family, but they differ in their origins and purities. Here are the main differences between the two:

Origin :
Fused Quartz: This is produced by melting natural quartz crystals. As a result, it retains most of the properties of natural quartz.
Synthetic Fused Silica: This is produced from chemically synthesized silicon dioxide. It's typically obtained through the reaction of silicon tetrachloride with oxygen or other chemical methods.

Purity :
Fused Quartz: Although it has a high purity level, it might contain trace impurities due to its natural quartz origin.
Synthetic Fused Silica: As it's chemically synthesized, it boasts an extremely high purity, almost free from any other impurities. This makes it the material of choice for applications demanding ultra-high purity, such as semiconductor manufacturing.

Optical Properties:
Fused Quartz: It typically offers good transparency across a wide wavelength range, from ultraviolet to infrared.
Synthetic Fused Silica: Due to its superlative purity, it generally provides superior ultraviolet transmission properties.

Cost :
Fused Quartz: Owing to its relatively simple manufacturing process, it's typically cheaper than synthetic fused silica.
Synthetic Fused Silica: The production process is more intricate and costly, but it delivers higher purity and superior performance.

Both of these materials are extensively used in numerous high-tech applications. The choice between them usually depends on the specific requirements of the application and the budget.