|
Well this is far harder than I first thought.
Melting points - almost the same
Refractive index - almost the same
Density - almost the same
Mohs hardness, 6.5 vs 7.5 maybe able to try a scratch test
Light frequency cutoff - so far into UV that no one likely has a source. And practically the same in IR.
Dielectric constant - near identical
Thermal expansion constant - 4 vs 0.6 parts per million per degree c. So every 2 degrees would cause 1 micron delta between the diameter of the 2. E.g. heat them 30 degrees and measure the change with a vernier.
I would probably start with a scratch test or the thermal expansion test. The silca has the lower expansion constant.
|