The compacted clayey soils crack on drying because of their high swelling potential, and their hydraulic conductivities increase. To solve this problem, it is essential to stabilize the clayey soils using additive materials. The aim of this study is to examine the suitability of quartzite as a stabilization material to reduce the development of desiccation cracks in compacted clayey liner and cover systems. Experimental study was conducted to investigate the effect of wetting-drying cycles on the initiation and evolution of cracks in compacted clayey soils. For experimental studies, seven samples were prepared stabilized by using 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7,5%, 10%, 12,5% and 15% quartzite and then they were subjected to four subsequent wetting-drying cycles. The results show that quartzite decreases the development of desiccation cracks on the surface of compacted samples. It is concluded that quartzite as a geological material can be successfully used to reduce the development of desiccation cracks in compacted clayey liner and cover systems exposed wetting-drying cycles.