# quartz

/ˈkwɔɹts/ (US) · /kwˈɔːts/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/quartz
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. the mineral

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

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

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang

a slang name for the illegal drug crystal meth.

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

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

Teaching 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.

## Examples

- The watch uses a tiny piece of quartz to keep time.
- Geologists found large veins of white quartz running through the granite cliffs near the shore.
- The precision of modern timekeeping relies on the consistent vibration of quartz crystals when an electric current is applied, a phenomenon that revolutionized the horological industry.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.