quartz

noun

ˈkwȯrts 

1

: a mineral consisting of silicon dioxide occurring in colorless and transparent or colored hexagonal crystals or in crystalline masses

2

: a quartz crystal that when placed in an electric field oscillates at a constant frequency and is used to control devices which require precise regulation

a quartz watch

quartzose

ˈkwȯrt-ˌsōs 

adjective

Examples of quartz in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At the monthly event, her patrons gather at the store, select a mattress (alone or with a friend), get cozy and swap the static of the world for the soothing harmonics of Moon’s quartz bowls. —Rebecca Leib, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026

Apartments will feature modern amenities such as vinyl plank flooring, porcelain tile, quartz countertops and contemporary fixtures, according to Lowe. —Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 10 Apr. 2026

Stroll leisurely to admire the wide variety of wildflowers that grow along the ledges or dare to dip below the dramatic quartz and sandstone into the narrow crevices of the cliffs. —Joie Probst, Midwest Living, 10 Apr. 2026

Instead, buyers will pay more for kitchens with stone countertops, like soapstone, quartz, and onyx. —Natasha Bazika, Martha Stewart, 10 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

German Quarz

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing quartz

• fused quartz
• quartz glass
• quartz heater
• quartz-iodine lamp
• smoky quartz

Rhymes for quartz

• courts
• forts
• morts
• portes
• ports
• quarts
• schwarz
• shorts
• snorts
• sorts
• sports
• thwarts

Kids Definition

quartz

noun

ˈkwȯ(ə)rts 

: a common mineral consisting of silicon dioxide that is often found in the form of colorless transparent crystals but is sometimes (as in amethysts, agates, and jaspers) brightly colored

Medical Definition

quartz

noun

ˈkwȯ(ə)rts 

: a mineral SiO₂ consisting of a silica that occurs in colorless and transparent or colored hexagonal crystals and also in crystalline masses