crossword clue semi precious stone – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "semi precious stone" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of all possible answers, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Discover the perfect fit for your grid here.
Solutions for "crossword clue semi precious stone" by Letter Count
4 Letters
JADE: A typically green ornamental mineral, often used in jewelry.
ONYX: A chalcedony that is black and white, often used in cameos.
OPAL: A hydrated amorphous form of silica, known for its iridescence.
5 Letters
AGATE: A common rock formation, a cryptocrystalline variety of silica, chiefly chalcedony, characterized by its fineness of grain and brightness of color.
LAPIS: A deep-blue metamorphic rock used as a semi-precious stone.
TOPAZ: A silicate mineral of aluminium and fluorine, known for its various colors.
6 Letters
GARNET: A group of silicate minerals used since the Bronze Age as gemstones.
QUARTZ: A hard, crystalline mineral composed of silicon and oxygen atoms, common in many forms including amethyst and citrine.
JASPER: An opaque, impure variety of silica, usually red, yellow, brown or green in color.
7 Letters
PERIDOT: A gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, typically olive green.
8 Letters
AMETHYST: A violet variety of quartz often used in jewelry.
9 Letters
MALACHITE: A green copper carbonate hydroxide mineral, often used for ornamental purposes.
TURQUOISE: An opaque, blue-to-green mineral that is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminium, valued as a gemstone.
More About "crossword clue semi precious stone"
Semi-precious stones encompass a vast and beautiful array of minerals and organic materials that have been cherished and utilized by humans for millennia. Unlike the traditionally classified "precious" stones (diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds), the term "semi-precious" historically referred to a broader category of gemstones, often distinguished by their relative abundance or accessibility. However, this distinction is largely a matter of tradition and market perception rather than intrinsic value, as many semi-precious stones can be incredibly rare, durable, and valuable.
From the deep blue of lapis lazuli, prized by ancient civilizations, to the intricate banding of agate, or the fiery play-of-color in an opal, these stones offer an immense diversity in color, pattern, and optical effects. They are widely used in jewelry, decorative objects, and even industrial applications. Their unique characteristics make them fascinating subjects for study and collection, and their varying hardness and formation processes contribute to their unique beauty and availability.
When encountering "semi precious stone" in a crossword, the clue often points to common varieties that have distinct names and letter counts. Familiarity with stones like jade, onyx, amethyst, and garnet will greatly assist in solving. The clue might also provide hints about color (e.g., 'purple semi-precious stone' for AMETHYST) or typical use, guiding solvers towards the correct answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Letter Count: The first and most crucial step is to count the available spaces in your crossword grid. This immediately narrows down the possible answers for "semi precious stone" significantly.
- Check for Crossing Letters: Use any letters already filled in from intersecting clues. These letters will be vital in confirming or eliminating potential gemstone names.
- Consider Common Gemstones: Crossword puzzles often feature the most commonly known semi-precious stones. Think of names that are relatively short or have distinct letter patterns, such as JADE, ONYX, AGATE, and AMETHYST.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Sometimes the clue might hint at a specific characteristic, like "Green semi-precious stone" (JADE, MALACHITE) or "Purple quartz variety" (AMETHYST). Use these additional details to pinpoint the exact answer.
- Think about Sound-Alikes or Puns: While less common for direct object clues, some crosswords might use wordplay related to gemstones. Always keep an open mind for clever twists.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a precious and semi-precious stone?
Traditionally, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds were considered 'precious' due to their rarity, hardness, and historical value. All other gemstones were termed 'semi-precious.' However, this distinction is largely outdated in modern gemology as many 'semi-precious' stones can be rarer and more valuable than some 'precious' ones, such as fine opals or rare varieties of jade.
Why are semi-precious stones common in crossword puzzles?
Semi-precious stones offer a wide variety of names with diverse letter counts and unique spellings, making them excellent candidates for crossword answers. Their distinct names like ONYX, AGATE, JADE, and AMETHYST fit well into different grid patterns and provide solvers with a rich vocabulary challenge. Their common usage also makes them accessible knowledge for a broad audience.
Are all gemstones used in crosswords?
While a vast number of gemstones exist, crosswords tend to stick to the more commonly known or those with convenient letter counts for puzzle construction. You'll frequently encounter names like quartz, jasper, and peridot, alongside the more traditionally 'precious' ones like ruby or emerald, depending on the clue's specific context and the puzzle's difficulty level.