quartz

Everyday

1. A hard, common mineral, often clear or white, found in many rocks and in sand; it can form beautiful crystals. tree →
2. A tiny piece of quartz crystal in a watch or clock that vibrates at a steady rate to keep accurate time. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on rocks and minerals, quartz is very hard (7 on the Mohs scale) and scratches glass; most sand grains are quartz. Some coloured types are gems, like purple amethyst. In everyday life «quartz watch» means a battery watch that keeps good time. Phrases: «rose quartz», «a quartz crystal», «quartz watch».

Examples

• Most beach sand is made of tiny bits of quartz. tree →
• We found a shiny quartz crystal on the hike. tree →
• Quartz is harder than glass. tree →
• My watch is a quartz watch. tree →
• Amethyst is a purple kind of quartz. tree →
• Granite contains quartz, feldspar and mica. tree →
• Rose quartz is pink. tree →

Note

Usually uncountable. Spelling: q-u-a-r-t-z. Myth: quartz crystals do not have healing or magic powers; they are just minerals. Hardness 7 means it scratches anything softer than 7.