What does quartz mean?
Quartz is a hard, crystalline mineral made almost entirely of silicon dioxide, the same chemical compound that forms ordinary sand when broken down. It occurs naturally in granite, sandstone, granite pegmatite, and many other rocks, and its abundance makes it one of the most familiar minerals in Earth's crust. Pure quartz may form clear, colourless crystals, while trace elements or structural variations produce familiar varieties such as rose quartz, smoky quartz, amethyst, and agate. The mineral has long been important in glassmaking because its high melting point and chemical purity are useful in producing glass. Quartz also has distinctive electrical properties, including the piezoelectric effect, which allows pressure or vibration to generate an electrical charge. This combination of geological abundance, attractive crystal forms, and useful physical properties gives quartz a place in both natural science and ordinary vocabulary.
nounA hard, crystalline mineral composed of silicon dioxide, occurring in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks and as a component of sand. Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's crust.
- A crystalline mineral consisting of silicon dioxide, valued for its hardness, abundance, and electrical or optical properties.
"The jeweller set a polished piece of rose quartz in a silver ring."
"Veins of quartz run through the granite outcrop."
"Quartz is widely used in glassmaking and in electronic components."
Quartz is generally a mass noun and has no regularly used plural.
"Several pieces of quartz were found beside the river."
Quartz crystals are so durable that a grain of sand containing quartz may preserve tiny fossils for millions of years.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quartz come from?
The English word entered through German Quarz, which was borrowed from a West Slavic word for quartz. The German term was subsequently adopted into English during the early 18th century and eventually became the standard international name for the mineral.
Related word forms
How quartz is actually used
Quartz is normally treated as a mass noun rather than a countable noun; plurals such as "quartzes" are uncommon.
Easily confused with quartz
Quartz is a mineral, whereas quartzite is a metamorphic rock formed chiefly from interlocking quartz grains.