quartzite

[ kwawrt-sahyt ]

noun

1. a granular metamorphic rock consisting essentially of quartz in interlocking grains.

quartzite

/ ˈkwɔːtsaɪt /

noun

1. a very hard metamorphic rock consisting of a mosaic of intergrown quartz crystals
2. a white or grey sandstone composed of quartz

quartzite

/ kwôrt′sīt′ /

1. A metamorphic rock consisting entirely of quartz. Quartzite forms when sandstone or chert are heated during metamorphism.

Other Words From

• quartz·it·ic [kwawrt-, sit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of quartzite¹

First recorded in 1840–50; quartz + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

A fighting pick — made from quartzite and a tree branch that was split and bent around the blade — was used for combat and executions.

From Los Angeles Times

Quartz and quartzite countertops have become all the rage versus granite, marble or laminate.

From Seattle Times

Its exteriors are covered in quartzite rock arranged to evoke Indigenous basket weave patterns; from crevices emerge bursts of desert plants.

From Los Angeles Times

A Wacker spokesperson would not comment on the U.S. detainments but said the company sources quartzite from suppliers in Norway, Spain and France.

From Reuters

Native Americans came to what became Fairfax Villa Park for Popes Head Creek as well as the quartz, quartzite cobbles, and soapstone still found within the park.

From Washington Post