chalcedony crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "chalcedony crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle. We've also included explanations to deepen your understanding and assist with future clues.
Solutions for "chalcedony crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ONYX: A banded variety of chalcedony, typically black and white. Often used in cameos.
SARD: A brownish-red variety of chalcedony, similar to carnelian.
5 Letters
AGATE: A common rock formation, a cryptocrystalline variety of silica, primarily chalcedony, characterized by its fineness of grain and brightness of color.
6 Letters
JASPER: An opaque, impure variety of silica, a cryptocrystalline form of chalcedony, usually red, yellow, brown or green in color.
9 Letters
CARNELIAN: A reddish-brown mineral, a variety of chalcedony. It ranges from pale orange to an intense almost-black coloration.
More About "chalcedony crossword clue"
Chalcedony is a cryptocrystalline form of silica, composed of very fine intergrowths of quartz and moganite. These are both silica minerals, but they differ in their crystal structure. Chalcedony is one of the most widespread and varied minerals on Earth, forming in a range of geological environments, from volcanic rocks to sedimentary deposits.
What makes chalcedony a popular subject for crossword clues is its diverse range of varieties, many of which are well-known gemstones or ornamental stones. Each variety has its own distinct name, color, and often pattern, providing setters with a rich vocabulary to draw upon. Examples include agate (banded), onyx (parallel-banded), jasper (opaque, typically red, yellow, brown, or green), carnelian (reddish-orange), chrysoprase (apple-green), and bloodstone (dark green with red spots).
Understanding the broad family of chalcedony and its many "children" can be a great asset in solving crosswords. When you encounter a clue related to a specific type of stone, thinking of it as a form of chalcedony can often lead you to the correct answer if you know some of its more famous variants.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think of Sub-categories: For mineral or stone clues like "chalcedony," always consider its common varieties first. Often the answer will be a specific type (e.g., AGATE, JASPER) rather than the general term.
- Consider Colors: Many mineral clues hint at specific colors. Knowing that CARNELIAN is reddish-orange or CHRYSOPRASE is green can be a powerful hint.
- Look at Length: Pay close attention to the number of letters required. This is often the most crucial hint. If "chalcedony" is the clue, a 5-letter answer immediately points away from longer varieties.
- Check for Synonyms/Related Terms: Sometimes the clue might not be directly about chalcedony itself, but a related concept or property. Keep an eye out for descriptive words.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chalcedony in simple terms?
Chalcedony is a type of quartz that is very fine-grained and typically translucent. It's often found in various colors and forms, making it a popular material for jewelry and carvings.
Why does 'chalcedony' appear in crosswords?
As a specific mineral with many well-known varieties (like agate, onyx, jasper), it offers a rich vocabulary for clues. Crossword setters often use scientific or geological terms to challenge solvers, and chalcedony provides a great opportunity due to its numerous distinct forms.
What are some common varieties of chalcedony?
Common varieties include agate, onyx, jasper, carnelian, chrysoprase, and bloodstone. Each has distinct colors and patterns, providing unique options for crossword answers based on their specific characteristics and appearances.