Fused Silica vs Fused Quartz – Exact Differences in Raw Material, Purity & Application

# Quartz Glass vs Borosilicate Glass – Full Comparison on Properties, Cost & Applications ## 1. Introduction Quartz glass and borosilicate glass are two mainstream heat-resistant glass materials widely adopted in laboratories, industrial production and optical equipment. Many engineers and purchasers mix up their features and make improper choices. This article conducts a comprehensive comparison covering material composition, core performance, service life, production cost and application fields, to help you select the most suitable material according to actual working conditions. ## 2. What Are Quartz Glass & Borosilicate Glass **Quartz Glass**: Dominated by high-purity SiO₂ without extra additives. It is manufactured by melting natural quartz crystal or synthetic silica under ultra-high temperature, and classified into industrial grade, optical grade and semiconductor grade for different usage demands. **Borosilicate Glass (Pyrex)**: Formulated with silica, boron oxide and sodium oxide. Boron is added to improve heat resistance. As a cost-effective heat-resistant glass, it is widely used in civil fields and general industrial scenarios. 3. Key Properties

4. Manufacturing Process **Quartz Glass**: Raw material purification → 1700~2000°C high-temperature melting → molding → stress relief annealing → precision processing & strict inspection. The whole process is complicated with high energy consumption and production cost. **Borosilicate Glass**: Raw material mixing → 800~1200°C melting → molding → simple natural cooling. Its production technology is mature, easy to operate and well controlled in cost. 5. Core Advantages Quartz Glass Advantages - Outstanding high temperature resistance for long-term service in industrial furnaces - Full-band deep UV transmission, exclusive choice for UV optical systems - Ultra-high material purity to prevent contamination in precision production - Stable physical and chemical performance under cyclic high-temperature conditions Borosilicate Glass Advantages - Low unit price and sufficient market supply - Light weight and easy for cutting and secondary processing - Fully meet the requirements of conventional heat-resistant application scenarios 6. Application Scenarios Choose Borosilicate Glass For - Ordinary laboratory beakers, flasks and daily heat-resistant glassware - Low-temperature industrial observation windows and civil heating appliances - General chemical experiments without UV transmission and ultra-high temperature demands Choose Quartz Glass For - Semiconductor diffusion furnaces and annealing processing equipment - UV sterilization, UV curing and deep ultraviolet optical instruments - High-temperature industrial furnaces and precision chemical reaction vessels - High-temperature optical components for aerospace and defense industries 7. Material Comparison & Selection Guide Cost & Service Life Borosilicate glass features low unit price, yet it tends to soften, deform and age above 500°C, leading to short service life in high-temperature environments. Quartz glass has a higher initial cost, while its service life can reach 2 to 5 years under standard industrial working conditions. For high-end industrial projects, it delivers lower overall comprehensive cost. Selection Rules - Working temperature ≤400°C & common laboratory use → Borosilicate Glass - Working temperature >450°C, UV transmission required or high purity demanded → Quartz Glass 8. FAQ **Q1: Can borosilicate glass work above 500°C?** A1: No. It will soften and deform when temperature exceeds 450°C, so it cannot be used for high-temperature furnaces. **Q2: Which material is capable of transmitting ultraviolet light?** A2: Only quartz glass supports deep ultraviolet transmission; borosilicate glass blocks UV rays completely. **Q3: Which one is more economical?** A3: Borosilicate glass is much cheaper than quartz glass. **Q4: Can borosilicate glass replace quartz glass for semiconductor production?** A4: No. Borosilicate glass contains high impurities and fails to meet ultra-clean standards for semiconductor manufacturing. 9. Conclusion Borosilicate glass is a cost-effective option for conventional low-temperature applications and general laboratory use. Quartz glass is irreplaceable in ultra-high temperature environments, UV optical systems and high-purity industrial processes. Define your requirements on temperature resistance, optical performance and material purity first, then select the proper glass material. 👉 Related Knowledge & Products: [Quartz Glass Tubes](link) | [What Is Quartz Glass?](link) | [Quartz Tube Temperature Limits](link) **Author**: Felix Glass Optical Engineering Team **Reviewed By**: Senior Optical Material Engineer **Last Updated**: June 2026 **References**: ISO 12123 Optical Glass Standards, Industrial Heat-Resistant Glass Application Manual