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

First and foremost, visitors go for its gorgeous stretch of beach along the Gulf that boasts white-quartz sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 12 Aug. 2026

The cooling rose quartz glides effortlessly across the skin, melting away facial tension while helping reduce puffiness for a more sculpted, refreshed look. — Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026

The units include kitchens with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances, plus a washer/dryer combination in one machine. — Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026

That requires cutting lots of rock, and in Appalachia, that rock typically contains quartz, which is rich in silica. — Howard Berkes, NPR, 5 Aug. 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