Quartz, California facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Quartz
Former settlement
Quartz Location in California
Country	United States
State	California
County	Butte County
Elevation	262 ft (80 m)

Quartz was once a small town, or "settlement," located in Butte County, California. It was situated at a height of 262 feet (80 meters) above sea level. This place could still be found on maps as late as 1947. However, since 1968, the area where Quartz once stood has been covered by the waters of the Lake Oroville reservoir.

What Happened to Quartz?

Quartz is known as a "former settlement" because it no longer exists as a town today. Many old towns, especially those from the gold rush era, become ghost towns or disappear over time. Quartz's story is a bit different because it was intentionally covered by water.

Where Was Quartz Located?

This old settlement was in Butte County, which is in the northern part of California. It was quite low down, at an elevation of 262 feet (80 meters). This low elevation made it easy for the area to be flooded later on.

Why Did Quartz Disappear?

The main reason Quartz is no longer visible is the creation of Lake Oroville. This large reservoir was built to store water for drinking, farming, and to help control floods in California. When the Oroville Dam was completed in 1968, the waters behind it rose, creating Lake Oroville. This new lake covered many areas, including the site of the old Quartz settlement. So, what was once a town became part of the lakebed.