crossword precious stone – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "crossword precious stone," 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 boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "crossword precious stone" by Letter Count
3 Letters
GEM: A single, often cut and polished, piece of mineral or organic material used in jewelry. A concise and common answer for 'precious stone' in crosswords.
4 Letters
OPAL: A hydrated amorphous form of silica, highly prized for its unique play of color. Often clued as a 'precious stone' with specific letter counts.
RUBY: A pink-to-blood-red colored gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum. One of the most historically significant precious stones.
5 Letters
JEWEL: A precious stone, especially one cut and polished, or an ornament containing one. Can also refer to something highly valued.
PEARL: A hard, glistening object produced within the soft tissue of a living shelled mollusk or another animal. A unique organic precious 'stone'.
TOPAZ: A silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine, used as a gemstone. Often found in yellow, blue, or colorless varieties.
6 Letters
GARNET: A group of silicate minerals, some of which are used as gemstones. Known for their deep red color but come in various hues.
7 Letters
EMERALD: A precious gemstone and a variety of the mineral beryl, famous for its vibrant green color. One of the 'big four' precious stones.
DIAMOND: A solid form of carbon with atoms arranged in a crystal structure called diamond cubic. Known for its hardness and high dispersion of light.
8 Letters
SAPPHIRE: A precious gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum, typically known for its blue color but found in other colors too.
AMETHYST: A violet variety of quartz often used in jewelry. It is known for its beautiful purple hues.
More About "crossword precious stone"
The term "precious stone" in crosswords typically refers to any valuable mineral or organic material that is cut, polished, and used in jewelry. While traditionally, only diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds were classified as "precious" (with all others being "semi-precious"), in modern gemology and especially in crossword puzzles, the distinction is often blurred. Clues might refer to any well-known gemstone, regardless of its traditional classification.
Understanding the common names for these stones is key to solving such clues. Many crosswords will use the most popular ones like DIAMOND, RUBY, EMERALD, SAPPHIRE, or synonyms like GEM and JEWEL. However, puzzles can also delve into the slightly less common but still popular choices such as OPAL, AMETHYST, GARNET, or PEARL. The context of the clue, including any descriptive adjectives (e.g., "green precious stone"), and the number of letters provided are crucial for narrowing down the possibilities.
Beyond their aesthetic value, precious stones often carry symbolic meanings, which can sometimes be hinted at in more complex crossword clues. For instance, a diamond might be clued as something related to "eternity" or "hardness." Familiarity with both the literal names and any associated symbolism can give you an edge in tackling these intriguing clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms: For general clues like "precious stone," always think of broader terms or synonyms first, such as GEM or JEWEL, as these are very common short answers.
- Check Letter Count & Crossings: Once you have a potential answer, confirm it fits the given letter count. Crucially, check if it aligns with any intersecting words you've already solved.
- Think Specific Colors/Types: If the clue includes an adjective (e.g., "red precious stone" or "purple stone"), narrow your focus to stones matching that description, like RUBY for red or AMETHYST for purple.
- Brainstorm Common Examples: Run through the most popular precious stones in your mind (Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Opal, Pearl) and see if any fit the length and existing letters.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a precious and semi-precious stone in crosswords?
Historically, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds were classified as 'precious,' with all others as 'semi-precious.' In crosswords, clues might sometimes hint at this distinction, but 'precious stone' is often a broad term for any valuable gemstone. It's best to consider all common gemstone names when you see such a clue.
Are all precious stones used in crosswords common knowledge?
Most crosswords tend to feature commonly known precious and semi-precious stones like DIAMOND, RUBY, EMERALD, SAPPHIRE, OPAL, AMETHYST, and PEARL. However, more obscure names might appear in harder puzzles, often with more specific cluing to guide you.
How can I quickly identify a precious stone in a crossword?
Look for synonyms like GEM or JEWEL first. Then, consider the letter count and any other crossing letters. If the clue has an adjective (e.g., 'red precious stone'), think of stones matching that description (e.g., RUBY, GARNET). Also, be aware of common patterns or repeated answers for certain lengths.