A hard, common mineral made of silicon and oxygen, often clear or colored, used in jewelry, watches, and electronics.
From German *Quarz*, originally a miners’ term of uncertain origin, possibly from an old Slavic word for 'hard'. It entered English in the 18th century through scientific and mineralogical writing.
Quartz crystals can vibrate at very precise frequencies when electricity runs through them, which is why 'quartz watches' keep such accurate time. The pretty stone in jewelry is quietly helping run our clocks and electronics.
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