The term 'quartz' is often referred to as a synonym for silica. Silica (SiO2 ) is one of the ubiquitous materials in the earth's crust. Quartz, quartz crystals, quartzite, silica sand, sand (others) and moulding sand are all coined together in one generic name 'silica minerals'. This is because all these commodities are essentially crystalline silicon dioxide (SiO2 ) with variations mostly related to their crystalline structure and presence of minor or trace impurities. Silica occurs in several forms giving rise to different varieties.

The term 'quartz' is often referred to as a synonym for silica. Silica (SiO2 ) is one of the ubiquitous materials in the earth's crust. Quartz, quartz crystals, quartzite, silica sand, sand (others) and moulding sand are all coined together in one generic name 'silica minerals'. This is because all these commodities are essentially crystalline silicon dioxide (SiO2 ) with variations mostly related to their crystalline structure and presence of minor or trace impurities. Silica occurs in several forms giving rise to different varieties.