In 1896, not far from Tyson Well, the town wanted to reestablish a post office. Due to postal regulations prohibiting the reusing of a name, the name Quartzsite was chosen. The name was created from the word quartz found in the area. However, the s in the word Quartzsite was added due to a spelling error. Quartzsite was incorporated in 1989.
Tourism is the major economic factor in town.
There are over 70 different mobile home and trailer parks in and around the area. These parks fill to capacity during the fall and winter months. People are drawn to town because of the numerous gem, mineral and swap meet shows spread out from October through March.