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

Examples of quartz in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 Gua sha uses flat blunt tools, often pink quartz, to press and scrape across the skin to relieve muscle tension and boost blood circulation, according to L’Oréal Paris. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026 The janitor resumed snapping at the bushes with her shears—tiny, clear quartz beads scattered. — Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for quartz

Word History

Etymology

German Quarz

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of quartz was circa 1631

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Cite this Entry

“Quartz.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quartz. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

: 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

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

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