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

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

Other Word Forms

• quartzitic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of quartzite¹

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

Example Sentences

“A chef’s kitchen, complete with quartzite countertops, custom cabinetry, and high-end appliances, adds contemporary flair,” the listing adds.

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

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

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

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

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