noun
Uncommon
quartz
kawts
Quartz (noun) means a very common, hard mineral made of silicon and oxygen, found in many types of rock. Example: “The countertop is made of engineered quartz.”
noun
1
A very common, hard mineral made of silicon and oxygen, found in many types of rock.
"The countertop is made of engineered quartz."
"The cave walls sparkled with veins of quartz."
How to use quartz
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tough, glassy mineral, common in rock and used in jewelry, watches, and electronics.
Common pairings
quartz crystal
quartz watch
rose quartz
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Word forms
- Plural
- quartzes
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The countertop is made of engineered _____.
Etymology
Borrowed from German Quarz, ultimately from a Slavic word related to "hard."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “quartz” mean?
The word “quartz” means a very common, hard mineral made of silicon and oxygen, found in many types of rock. In plain terms, a tough, glassy mineral, common in rock and used in jewelry, watches, and electronics.
How do you pronounce “quartz”?
“Quartz” is pronounced kawts (/k(w)ɔɹts/ in IPA).
How do you use “quartz” in a sentence?
Here is “quartz” used in a sentence: “The countertop is made of engineered quartz.”
What part of speech is “quartz”?
“Quartz” is a noun.
Where does the word “quartz” come from?
The word “quartz” comes from German. Borrowed from German Quarz, ultimately from a Slavic word related to "hard.".
Is “quartz” a common word?
“Quartz” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between quartz and crystal?
Quartz is a specific, very common mineral made of silicon and oxygen. "Crystal" is a broader term for any solid material with a regularly repeating atomic structure, and quartz is just one of many minerals that can form crystals.
Where is quartz commonly found?
Quartz is one of the most common minerals on Earth and occurs in many types of rock. Its hardness and abundance make it a familiar component of sand, granite, and other everyday geological materials.
Is quartz a rock or a mineral?
Quartz is a mineral, not a rock. It is made of silicon and oxygen and commonly occurs as a component within many different types of rock.
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