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

The curation’s color palette also lent itself to ubiquitous fall hues, including cedar, blue quartz and chrysanthemum, which were enriched with pops of citrine, as per the brand’s collection description. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2025

The upgrades three years ago added wood-style plank flooring, quartz countertops, in-unit washers and dryers and stainless steel appliances and skylights. —Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025

Quartzite is, confusingly, the term used for natural slabs of quarried quartz. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2025

The kitchen features navy painted cabinets, polished nickel hardware, a farmhouse sink by Kohler, quartz countertops, and a hexagon tile backsplash. —Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Sep. 2025

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