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 plumes from cutting quartz lodge deep in the lungs, forming scar tissue and silicosis. — The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026

The film follows the physical supply chain that keeps AI running, starting at quartz mines in the Appalachians and moving on to Taiwan’s chip plants, Chile’s lithium fields, the cables that run under the sea and the click-workers of Kenya. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026

The 756-square-foot home had been renovated with wide-plank maple floors, a kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances, and an open living and dining area. — Heather Senison, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2026

The kitchen includes new quartz counters, a Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer, a dumbwaiter connecting to the garage and a walk-in pantry. — Lauryn Azu, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 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