Quartz (SiO2) Single Crystal

Description

Quartz (SiO₂) single crystal is a naturally piezoelectric crystalline material valued for its excellent frequency stability, low dielectric loss, optical transparency, mechanical hardness, and long-term chemical stability. Unlike fused silica, which has an amorphous structure, single crystal quartz has a well-defined crystallographic lattice and exhibits orientation-dependent optical, electrical, thermal, and piezoelectric properties.

Tinsan Materials supplies quartz single crystals in a wide range of forms, including bulk crystals, blocks, rods, plates, discs, blanks, and custom-cut components. Natural and synthetic quartz materials, standard crystallographic orientations, special angle cuts, and various surface finishes can be provided according to application requirements.

Quartz Single Crystal Overview

Quartz is the crystalline form of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) and one of the most important piezoelectric and optical crystal materials used in modern technology. At room temperature, quartz exists mainly as α-quartz, which has a trigonal crystal structure and belongs to crystal class 32.

The highly ordered single-crystal lattice gives quartz a combination of properties that cannot be achieved with amorphous fused silica. In particular, quartz exhibits a strong and stable piezoelectric response, crystallographic anisotropy, birefringence, low dielectric loss, and highly repeatable frequency behavior.

These characteristics make quartz single crystal suitable for a broad range of applications, including:

• Frequency-control devices
• Piezoelectric sensors
• Acoustic resonators
• Optical components
• Precision instrumentation
• Crystallographic research
• Electronic and photonic devices

Quartz single crystals can be supplied as raw or semi-finished materials for further processing, or as precision-fabricated components with specified orientation, dimensions, thickness, cut angle, and surface finish.

Crystal Structure and Material Types

Crystal Structure

Quartz has a highly ordered three-dimensional framework composed of interconnected SiO₄ tetrahedra. Its crystal symmetry gives rise to several important anisotropic properties, including piezoelectricity, optical birefringence, directional thermal expansion, and orientation-dependent acoustic behavior.

Basic Crystal Data

Material	Quartz Single Crystal
Chemical Formula	SiO₂
Room-Temperature Phase	α-Quartz
Crystal System	Trigonal
Crystal Class	32
Optical Character	Uniaxial
Density	Approx. 2.65 g/cm³
Mohs Hardness	Approx. 7
α–β Phase Transition	Approx. 573°C
Piezoelectricity	Yes
Natural Birefringence	Yes

 

Above approximately 573°C, α-quartz transforms into β-quartz. This phase transition is important when designing quartz components for high-temperature processing or applications involving repeated thermal cycling.

Natural Quartz vs Synthetic Quartz

Both natural and synthetic quartz can be supplied depending on the intended application.

Natural Quartz Single Crystal

Natural quartz is obtained from naturally formed crystalline deposits. Selected optical or electronic-grade natural quartz can be used for:

• Crystallographic research
• Educational applications
• Optical experiments
• Decorative or specialty components
• Fundamental material studies

Because natural growth conditions are not fully controlled, natural quartz may contain growth zones, inclusions, color centers, internal strain, or other naturally occurring features.

For applications requiring strict uniformity or repeatability, synthetic quartz is generally preferred.

Synthetic Quartz Single Crystal

Synthetic quartz is typically grown under carefully controlled hydrothermal conditions. The growth process allows improved control over purity, crystal quality, reproducibility, and internal defects.

Synthetic quartz is especially suitable for:

• Frequency-control devices
• Piezoelectric components
• Precision sensors
• Optical components
• Acoustic devices
• Electronic applications
• Scientific instrumentation

Compared with natural quartz, high-quality synthetic quartz generally offers:

• Better batch-to-batch consistency
• More controlled crystal orientation
• Lower inclusion levels
• Improved structural uniformity
• Better suitability for precision processing
• Reliable performance in electronic and acoustic applications

Material grade and crystal quality can be selected according to the intended end use.

Key Features of Quartz Single Crystal

Excellent Piezoelectric Properties

Quartz generates an electrical charge when subjected to mechanical stress and undergoes mechanical deformation when an electric field is applied. This stable and reversible piezoelectric response makes single crystal quartz one of the most widely used materials for resonators, oscillators, acoustic devices, sensors, and frequency-control components.

Outstanding Frequency Stability

Quartz exhibits excellent mechanical and electrical stability over time. Properly oriented quartz cuts can provide highly stable resonance characteristics with controlled temperature-frequency behavior.

This makes quartz a key material for:

• Oscillators
• Resonators
• Frequency references
• Timing systems
• Precision electronic devices

Useful Optical Transparency

High-quality quartz single crystal provides good transmission from the ultraviolet through the visible and into the near-infrared region. The exact usable spectral range depends on crystal grade, thickness, impurity content, OH concentration, orientation, and surface quality.

Quartz is suitable for selected:

• UV optical components
• Polarization optics
• Spectroscopy
• Optical instrumentation
• Research applications

Natural Birefringence

Quartz is an optically anisotropic uniaxial crystal. Its ordinary and extraordinary refractive indices are different, allowing the material to be used in polarization-sensitive optical components and crystallographic studies.

Low Dielectric Loss

The low dielectric loss of quartz is advantageous for high-frequency electronic and acoustic applications where signal stability and low energy dissipation are important.

Excellent Thermal Stability

Quartz maintains stable physical properties over a wide operating temperature range. Its thermal behavior can also be controlled through the selection of specific crystal cuts, which is particularly important for precision frequency devices.

High Chemical Resistance

Quartz offers excellent resistance to many chemicals and environmental conditions. This contributes to long service life in laboratory, industrial, optical, and electronic systems.

High Mechanical Hardness

With a Mohs hardness of approximately 7, quartz offers good resistance to scratching and mechanical wear. Precision cutting, lapping, and polishing can produce high-quality surfaces for optical and electronic applications.

Precise Crystallographic Orientation

Quartz single crystals can be cut along different crystallographic directions to obtain specific piezoelectric, optical, acoustic, or thermal characteristics.

Standard and custom orientations can be supplied according to customer requirements.

Crystal Orientations and Cut Options

Crystal orientation is one of the most important factors when selecting quartz single crystal. Different cuts produce different combinations of electrical, acoustic, thermal, and optical performance.

Basic Crystallographic Orientations

X-Cut Quartz

X-cut quartz is cut perpendicular to the crystallographic X-axis.

It is commonly considered for:

• Piezoelectric research
• Sensors
• Resonators
• Electrical property studies
• Specialized acoustic devices

Its response depends strongly on electrode configuration and device geometry.

Y-Cut Quartz

Y-cut quartz is oriented perpendicular to the crystallographic Y-axis.

Typical uses include:

• Acoustic research
• Resonator components
• Frequency-control devices
• Piezoelectric applications
• Specialized electronic devices

Modified Y-cuts can be selected to optimize temperature behavior and acoustic mode performance.

Z-Cut Quartz

Z-cut quartz is cut perpendicular to the optical Z-axis.

Typical applications include:

• Optical components
• Crystallographic studies
• Polarization experiments
• Anisotropic property research
• Selected device applications

Special Quartz Cuts

For frequency-control and acoustic applications, quartz is often cut at carefully selected angles relative to the fundamental crystal axes.

AT-Cut

AT-cut quartz is one of the most widely used rotated cuts for frequency-control applications.

Typical advantages include:

• Good temperature-frequency stability
• Reliable resonance performance
• Suitability for a wide range of oscillators and resonators

BT-Cut

BT-cut quartz provides different acoustic and temperature characteristics compared with AT-cut quartz.

It may be considered for:

• Specific resonator designs
• Frequency-control applications
• Specialized acoustic modes

SC-Cut

SC-cut quartz is a precision-compensated double-rotated cut developed for demanding frequency applications.

Potential advantages include:

• Excellent frequency stability
• Reduced sensitivity to certain mechanical stresses
• Improved performance in precision oscillator applications

ST-Cut

ST-cut quartz is commonly associated with surface acoustic wave applications.

It may be used in:

• SAW devices
• Acoustic signal processing
• Sensors
• High-frequency components

Custom Angle Cuts

Custom crystallographic orientations and miscut angles can be produced for specialized applications.

Selection may be based on:

• Resonant frequency
• Temperature coefficient
• Acoustic propagation mode
• Piezoelectric response
• Optical axis requirements
• Experimental configuration

Custom cut availability is subject to technical review of orientation, dimensions, tolerance, and quantity.

Applications of Quartz Single Crystal

Frequency Control and Timing

Quartz is one of the most important materials for stable frequency generation and timing.

Typical components include:

• Quartz resonators
• Crystal oscillators
• Frequency references
• Timing components
• Precision clock systems

The appropriate crystal cut is selected according to the required resonance mode and temperature stability.

Piezoelectric Devices

The piezoelectric properties of quartz make it suitable for sensing and electromechanical conversion.

Applications include:

• Pressure sensors
• Force sensors
• Thickness monitors
• Acoustic sensors
• Transducers
• Precision measurement devices

Acoustic Devices

Quartz is widely used in devices based on bulk and surface acoustic waves.

Applications include:

• SAW components
• Acoustic resonators
• Ultrasonic devices
• Frequency filters
• Signal-processing components

Optical Applications

Selected grades of quartz single crystal can be processed into precision optical components.

Applications include:

• Optical windows
• Polarization components
• UV optical parts
• Birefringent components
• Spectroscopy
• Optical research

Scientific Research

Quartz single crystals provide a well-defined and stable crystal structure for advanced research.

Typical research fields include:

• Crystallography
• Piezoelectricity
• Acoustic physics
• Optical anisotropy
• Materials science
• Surface research
• Thermal expansion studies

Electronics and Precision Instrumentation

Quartz is used in systems where low loss, long-term stability, and precise material behavior are required.

Applications include:

• Precision measurement systems
• Frequency standards
• High-stability electronic systems
• Sensors
• Laboratory instruments

Technical Datasheet – Quartz (SiO₂) Single Crystal

Material	Quartz Single Crystal
Chemical Formula	SiO₂
Crystal Phase	α-Quartz at room temperature
Crystal System	Trigonal
Crystal Class	32
Optical Character	Uniaxial
Crystal Type	Natural or Synthetic Quartz
Density	Approx. 2.65 g/cm³
Mohs Hardness	Approx. 7
α–β Transition Temperature	Approx. 573°C
Refractive Index	Approx. 1.54–1.55 in the visible region
Birefringence	Yes
Piezoelectricity	Yes
Dielectric Loss	Low
Standard Orientations	X, Y, Z
Special Cuts	AT, BT, SC, ST and custom cuts
Surface Finish	As-cut, ground, lapped or polished
Polishing Options	SSP or DSP
Product Forms	Bulk crystal, block, rod, plate, disc and blank
Edge Processing	As-cut, chamfered or beveled
Customization	Size, orientation, cut angle and surface finish

 

Important Technical Note

The values listed above are typical material properties. Final specifications depend on:

• Quartz type
• Material grade
• Crystal orientation
• Cut angle
• Product dimensions
• Surface processing
• Intended application

Customers requiring strict technical parameters should provide their target specifications for review.

Available Product Forms and Sizes

Tinsan Materials supplies quartz single crystals in different product forms to support research, component fabrication, prototyping, and production.

Bulk Quartz Crystal

Bulk single crystals are suitable for:

• Further processing
• Custom component fabrication
• Crystal research
• Orientation studies

They can be supplied as-grown, roughly shaped, or pre-cut according to requirements.

Quartz Crystal Blocks

Available forms include:

• Rectangular blocks
• Square blocks
• Cubic blocks
• Custom-shaped blanks

Crystal blocks are suitable for machining into optical, piezoelectric, or research components.

Quartz Crystal Rods

Quartz single crystal rods can be supplied in:

• Round form
• Square form
• Rectangular form
• Custom orientation

Rod dimensions, direction, and surface condition can be customized.

Quartz Crystal Plates

Plates are available for:

• Piezoelectric experiments
• Optical applications
• Sensors
• Acoustic research
• Thin component fabrication

Both single-side polished and double-side polished surfaces can be considered.

Quartz Crystal Discs

Round discs and blanks can be fabricated for:

• Frequency devices
• Sensors
• Optical research
• Resonator development
• Custom components

Special-Cut Quartz Blanks

Precision-oriented blanks can be supplied according to specified cut angles.

Typical options include:

• AT-cut
• BT-cut
• SC-cut
• ST-cut
• Custom angle cuts

Custom Quartz Single Crystal Solutions

We offer flexible customization services according to research, optical, acoustic, piezoelectric, and industrial requirements.

Crystal Type

Available options may include:

• Natural quartz single crystal
• Synthetic quartz single crystal

Material selection depends on the required crystal quality, consistency, optical properties, and application.

Crystal Orientation

Standard orientation options include:

• X-cut
• Y-cut
• Z-cut

Custom crystallographic orientations can also be considered.

Special Cut Angles

Available according to specification:

• AT-cut
• BT-cut
• SC-cut
• ST-cut
• Custom single-rotated cuts
• Custom double-rotated cuts

Custom Dimensions

Parameters can include:

• Diameter
• Length
• Width
• Thickness
• Aperture
• Dimensional tolerance

Surface Processing

Available processing options include:

• As-cut
• Ground
• Fine-ground
• Lapped
• Single-side polished
• Double-side polished
• Optical polishing

Surface requirements should be specified according to the intended application.

Additional Processing

Additional services may include:

• Edge beveling
• Chamfering
• Dicing
• Precision cutting
• Orientation flats
• Custom shapes
• Special packaging

Quality Control and Inspection

Quartz single crystals are inspected according to the product specification and intended use.

Crystal Orientation Verification

Crystallographic orientation can be verified using appropriate methods such as:

• X-ray diffraction
• Laue diffraction

Orientation tolerance can be specified for precision-cut components.

Dimensional Inspection

Key dimensions may include:

• Length
• Width
• Diameter
• Thickness
• Parallelism
• Dimensional tolerance

Surface Inspection

Processed surfaces can be inspected for:

• Scratches
• Pits
• Chips
• Cracks
• Edge damage
• Visible inclusions

Optical Inspection

For optical-grade components, inspection may include:

• Surface quality
• Flatness
• Optical transmission
• Internal inclusions
• Optical homogeneity

Testing requirements should be specified before order confirmation.

Packaging and Handling

Quartz single crystals are carefully packed to prevent contamination and mechanical damage during shipment.

Packaging options may include:

• Individual protective containers
• Clean and contamination-resistant packaging
• Soft protective interlayers
• Shock-resistant outer packaging
• Custom crystal carriers
• Vacuum packaging where required

Polished optical surfaces are protected from direct contact during handling and transportation.

For best results, quartz components should be handled with clean gloves or suitable optical handling tools.

Why Choose Tinsan Materials for Quartz Single Crystals?

Flexible Customization

We support customized:

• Crystal orientations
• Special cuts
• Dimensions
• Thicknesses
• Shapes
• Surface finishes

Multiple Product Forms

Products can be supplied as:

• Bulk crystals
• Blocks
• Rods
• Plates
• Discs
• Special-cut blanks
• Custom components

Precision Processing

Available processing capabilities include:

• Crystal orientation
• Precision cutting
• Grinding
• Lapping
• Polishing
• Edge finishing

Support for R&D and Production

We support both:

• Small-quantity research requirements
• Prototype development
• Customized projects
• Production-scale orders

Quality Inspection

Material, orientation, dimensions, and surfaces can be inspected according to customer requirements.

Global Supply Support

Tinsan Materials provides professional packaging, technical communication, and worldwide delivery support for universities, laboratories, research institutes, and industrial customers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Quartz Single Crystals

Q1. Is quartz a true single crystal material?

Yes. Quartz is a crystalline form of silicon dioxide (SiO₂). A quartz single crystal has a continuous, ordered crystallographic structure without the random grain boundaries found in polycrystalline materials.

Q2. What is the difference between quartz single crystal and fused silica?

Quartz single crystal has an ordered crystal lattice and defined crystallographic axes. It exhibits:

• Piezoelectricity
• Birefringence
• Crystallographic anisotropy
• Orientation-dependent properties

Fused silica is an amorphous form of SiO₂. It does not have a defined crystal orientation and is not naturally piezoelectric.

Q3. What is the difference between natural and synthetic quartz?

Natural quartz forms in geological environments and may contain natural inclusions, growth zones, or internal variations.

Synthetic quartz is grown under controlled conditions and generally provides better consistency, purity control, and reproducibility for precision electronic, piezoelectric, and optical applications.

Q4. What quartz orientations are available?

Common orientations include:

• X-cut
• Y-cut
• Z-cut

Special cuts such as AT-cut, BT-cut, SC-cut, and ST-cut may also be provided according to specification.

Q5. What is an AT-cut quartz crystal?

AT-cut is a rotated crystallographic cut widely used in frequency-control applications. Its orientation provides favorable temperature-frequency characteristics for many resonators and oscillators.

Q6. Can you provide custom crystallographic angles?

Yes. Custom crystal orientations and special cut angles can be considered according to the required acoustic, piezoelectric, thermal, or optical characteristics.

Q7. Can quartz single crystals be supplied in bulk form?

Yes. Quartz single crystals can be supplied as:

• Bulk crystals
• Blocks
• Rods
• Plates
• Discs
• Blanks
• Custom components

This product is therefore not limited to wafer or substrate form.

Q8. What surface finishes are available?

Depending on the application, quartz crystals may be supplied as:

• As-cut
• Ground
• Lapped
• Single-side polished
• Double-side polished
• Optical polished

Q9. Can you provide optical-grade quartz crystals?

Yes. Optical-grade quartz can be considered for applications requiring controlled surface quality, flatness, transmission, and internal crystal quality.

Customers should specify the operating wavelength and required optical parameters.

Q10. What information is required for a quotation?

For an accurate quotation, please provide:

• Quartz type: natural or synthetic
• Crystal orientation or cut
• Dimensions
• Quantity
• Surface finish
• Dimensional tolerance
• Application
• Additional inspection requirements

Request a Quote for Quartz Single Crystals

Looking for Quartz (SiO₂) single crystals with specific dimensions, crystallographic orientations, cut angles, or surface finishes?

Please send us your technical requirements, including:

• Crystal type
• Orientation or cut
• Dimensions
• Quantity
• Surface finish
• Application
• Additional requirements

Tinsan Materials provides customized quartz single crystal solutions for optical, piezoelectric, electronic, acoustic, and scientific research applications.