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

These silicon chunks are melted in bespoke crucibles made of the world’s purest quartz, virtually all of which is mined from a solitary deposit in the mountains of North Carolina. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Mint Tiny House Company Over on the other side of the living room, a door leads to a bathroom with matching quartz finishes, additional storage, a sink, a toilet, and a walk-in shower. — New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2026

Available in either titanium or terracotta quartz TPT, like Strong’s, the watch retails for $156,000. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2026

Kardashian opted for a sheer, rose-quartz turtleneck maxi dress from Alaïa’s spring 2024 collection, accessorized with black cat-eye sunglasses and a pink Hermès Mini Kelly replete with silver charms. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 Oct. 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