Quartz vs. Opal

Quartz vs. Opal — Is There a Difference?
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Difference Between Quartz and Opal

Quartznoun

(mineral) The most abundant mineral on the earth's surface, of chemical composition silicon dioxide, SiO2. It occurs in a variety of forms, both crystalline and amorphous. Found in every environment.

Opalnoun

(mineral) A mineral consisting, like quartz, of silica, but inferior to quartz in hardness and specific gravity, of the chemical formula SiO2·nH2O.

Quartznoun

colorless glass made of almost pure silica

Opalnoun

A colloquial name used in molecular biology referring to a particular stop codon sequence, "UGA."

Quartznoun

a hard glossy mineral consisting of silicon dioxide in crystal form; present in most rocks (especially sandstone and granite); yellow sand is quartz with iron oxide impurities

Opalnoun

(entomology) Any of various lycaenid butterflies of the genus Nesolycaena.

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Opalnoun

a translucent mineral consisting of hydrated silica of variable color; some varieties are used as gemstones