crossword clue soft mineral – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "crossword clue soft mineral" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TALC: The softest known mineral, often found in a powdered form for various uses, scoring 1 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
More About "soft mineral"
The mineral most famously known for its softness, and thus a common answer for "soft mineral" in crosswords, is TALC. Talc is a hydrous magnesium silicate, notable for its distinctive soapy feel and pearly luster. It's the standard against which other minerals are measured for softness on the Mohs scale, where it registers a hardness of 1.
This extreme softness makes talc useful in many industrial and everyday products. It's the primary ingredient in talcum powder, used for its absorbent and astringent properties. It also finds applications in ceramics, paints, paper, and as a filler in plastics. Its presence in crosswords often capitalizes on this unique property, making it a go-to answer for clues related to "softness" or "powder."
Understanding minerals and their properties, especially the Mohs scale of hardness, can significantly aid in solving related crossword clues. The Mohs scale, developed by German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs in 1812, ranks minerals from 1 (softest, talc) to 10 (hardest, diamond) based on their ability to scratch one another.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Always Consider the Letter Count: For clues like "soft mineral," knowing the exact number of letters in the grid can immediately narrow down possibilities. TALC is a popular 4-letter answer.
- Think Common Knowledge: Crossword constructors frequently use widely known facts. The fact that talc is the softest mineral is a classic piece of general knowledge.
- Look for Adjectives and Properties: Clues for minerals, elements, or compounds often highlight their unique characteristics. "Soft," "hard," "shiny," "conductive," or "precious" are common descriptors.
- Cross-Reference with Intersecting Clues: If you're unsure, use the letters revealed by correctly solved intersecting clues to confirm or eliminate potential answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the softest mineral often found in crosswords?
The softest mineral and a frequent answer in crosswords is TALC. It scores 1 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it exceptionally soft. This fact is commonly tested in general knowledge sections of puzzles.
How can I identify mineral clues in crosswords?
Mineral clues often relate to their unique properties (like hardness, color, or luster), their common uses (e.g., gypsum for plaster, quartz for watches), or well-known scientific facts. Pay attention to adjectives like 'soft,' 'hard,' 'precious,' or phrases describing its application.
Are there other minerals considered 'soft' besides talc in crossword contexts?
While TALC is universally recognized as the softest mineral (Mohs 1), other minerals like GYPSUM (Mohs 2) and CALCITE (Mohs 3) are also relatively soft compared to harder minerals like diamond or quartz. However, for a clue explicitly seeking 'soft mineral,' especially with limited letters, TALC is almost always the intended answer due to its definitive status.