crossword clue gemstone – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "crossword clue gemstone", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get your puzzle solved.
Solutions for "crossword clue gemstone" by Letter Count
4 Letters
RUBY: A red precious gemstone, often associated with passion and royalty.
OPAL: A hydrated amorphous form of silica, known for its unique play-of-color.
JADE: An ornamental mineral, used in a wide variety of jewelry and ornaments.
ONYX: A chalcedony that is a cryptocrystalline form of quartz, often black or white with parallel bands.
5 Letters
PEARL: A hard, glistening object produced within the soft tissue of a living shelled mollusk or another animal, such as a conulariid.
TOPAZ: A silicate mineral of aluminium and fluorine, often used as a gemstone.
AGATE: A banded form of chalcedony, used for ornamental purposes.
6 Letters
GARNET: A group of silicate minerals used since the Bronze Age as gemstones and abrasives.
7 Letters
EMERALD: A green variety of beryl, colored by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium.
DIAMOND: A solid form of carbon, known for its brilliance, hardness, and use as a gemstone.
8 Letters
SAPPHIRE: A precious gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum, known for its deep blue color.
AMETHYST: A violet variety of quartz often used in jewelry.
More About "crossword clue gemstone"
Gemstones are a popular category in crosswords due to their rich variety in color, origin, and properties. Clues can range from straightforward definitions like "precious stone" to more specific hints such as "birthstone for May" (EMERALD) or "hardest natural material" (DIAMOND). Recognizing common gemstone names and their typical characteristics can give you a significant advantage in solving these types of clues.
Beyond their direct names, sometimes a clue might hint at a gemstone indirectly through its color, typical setting, or even a pun. For instance, a clue might refer to "red valuable" pointing to RUBY, or "blue jewel" for SAPPHIRE. Familiarity with the most common and iconic gemstones is often enough, but a broader knowledge can help when faced with trickier or less common ones.
The cultural significance of gemstones also plays a role in clue creation. From ancient folklore to modern birthstones, these precious materials are woven into various aspects of human history and symbolism, providing fertile ground for clever wordplay in crossword puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. This is your primary filter for any clue, including those for gemstones.
- Think About Colors: Many gemstones are strongly associated with a specific color. If the clue mentions a color, immediately think of gemstones matching that hue (e.g., red = RUBY, green = EMERALD, blue = SAPPHIRE).
- Check for Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already solved from intersecting words. These letters are your most reliable guide to confirming or eliminating potential gemstone answers.
- Explore Synonyms and Categories: If 'gemstone' is the clue, but it doesn't quite fit, consider broader terms like 'jewel', 'stone', or even specific types like 'mineral' if the context allows.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common types of gemstone clues in crosswords?
Gemstone clues often refer to specific colors (e.g., 'red gem' for RUBY), famous examples (e.g., 'Hope Diamond'), or types of minerals. Sometimes, they might be clued by their uses or origins, or even as parts of larger phrases.
How can the number of letters help with 'gemstone' clues?
The number of letters is crucial! If you have a 4-letter answer, you can narrow down possibilities from RUBY, OPAL, or JADE. A 7-letter answer might point to EMERALD or DIAMOND. Always cross-reference with letters you've already filled in from intersecting words.
Are there any less common gemstones that appear in crosswords?
While DIAMOND, RUBY, EMERALD, and SAPPHIRE are frequent, crosswords can sometimes feature less common ones like AGATE, ONYX, TOPAZ, or AMETHYST. It's always good to have a broad vocabulary of gemstones ready, especially for themed puzzles.