It forms from the rapid cooling of magma of intermediate composition but moderately enriched in alkali metal oxides.

[1][2][3][4] Quartz latite is found in the 130-135 Mya Etendeka Formation of Namibia, where it forms extensive sheets in association with tholeiitic basalt.

These are interpreted as densely welded ash flow tuffs.

[5] Some of the quartz latite flows were enormous, with estimated volumes of 2,320 cubic kilometers (560 cu mi) and 6,340 cubic kilometers (1,520 cu mi) for two of the flows.

[6] Paleoproterozoic quartz latite is abundant in the Roxby Downs area of Australia, and may have been a source rock for younger granitoids.