quartzite

noun

quartz·​ite ˈkwȯrt-ˌsīt 

: a compact granular rock composed of quartz and derived from sandstone by metamorphism

quartzitic

kwȯrt-ˈsi-tik 

adjective

Examples of quartzite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This section of the two-lane road has been carved directly into the red-quartzite cliffs of the Uncompahgre Gorge, and almost none of it has a shoulder; in some places, the highway is only twenty-three feet wide. — Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

In the kitchen, for example, quartzite countertops and soft oak cabinetry by Boffi recede into the background via muted tones allowing the eye to travel past. — Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2026

Follow the Current The kitchen design flowed from a slab of fusion green quartzite. — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2026

Blue, green, and earth tones are paired with warm wood, brass, and black quartzite, while artwork by Dutch artists adds a local touch throughout the lounge. — Maddie Hiatt, Travel + Leisure, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for quartzite

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

Kids Definition

quartzite

noun

quartz·​ite ˈkwȯrt-ˌsīt 

: a compact grainy rock composed of quartz and made from sandstone by the earth's heat and pressure