ENGLISH
REFERENCE

quartz

n.
US //ˈkwɔɹts// UK //kwˈɔːts// quartz
  1. 1 the mineral (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    a hard, clear or coloured mineral found in many rocks and used in making watches and glass.

    the most abundant mineral on the earth's surface, consisting of silicon dioxide. It is frequently used in horology and electronics due to its piezoelectric properties.

    Example

    The beach was covered in tiny white grains of quartz and sand.

    Example

    Geologists identified the specimen as rose quartz, noting the characteristic pink hue caused by trace amounts of titanium and manganese within the crystal lattice.
  2. 2 illegal drug (n.)
    C1 Advanced Slang

    a slang name for the illegal drug crystal meth.

    a slang term for methamphetamine hydrochloride, specifically in its crystalline form.

    Example

    The police warned the community about the dangers of quartz and other street drugs.

    Example

    Undercover officers were investigating a local distribution network dealing primarily in quartz and other synthetic stimulants.

    Usage

    Used as an uncountable noun in this context.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a highly specific slang term; learners should be aware of it for comprehension but avoid using it in any formal or standard social context.
Origin

From German Quarz, from Middle High German (Central East German) quarz, twarc, from a West Slavic language [compare Polish twardy (“hard”), Czech tvrdý (“hard”)], from Proto-Slavic tvьrdъ ultimately from Proto-Indo-European twerH- (“to enclose, grab”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026