quartz

noun

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 adjective

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.
Each candle pairs a calming scent with a meaningful crystal, like rose quartz for healing or garnet for passion. Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 13 Oct. 2025 The long central island’s polished quartz surface lights up from within, giving the kitchen a touch of soft glamour, and an adjoining area can be utilized as a lounge or casual dining space. Mark David, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2025 Distinguished by pavé diamond settings, these trios included blue chalcedony with blue topaz and milky quartz, and rose and lemon quartz with citrine. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025 Tour compares his lab’s setup to a toaster oven, which uses electricity to rapidly heat a quartz tube under a slice of bread. IEEE Spectrum, 9 Oct. 2025 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 20 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

quartz

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

More from Merriam-Webster on quartz

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