dark volcanic rock crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate guide for solving those tricky crossword puzzles! If you're looking for answers to the clue "dark volcanic rock crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled the most common solutions, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword skills.
Solutions for "dark volcanic rock crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
LAVA: While 'lava' is molten rock, it is a common short answer for 'volcanic rock' clues, referring to the material from which such rocks form.
6 Letters
BASALT: Basalt is a common, dark, fine-grained volcanic rock formed from the rapid cooling of lava. It makes up much of the Earth's oceanic crust.
SCORIA: A dark, vesicular (full of holes) volcanic rock, typically reddish-brown or black, formed from frothy lava.
8 Letters
OBSIDIAN: Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass, typically dark in color, formed from quickly cooled lava. It is known for its sharp edges when fractured.
More About "dark volcanic rock crossword clue"
The term "dark volcanic rock" generally points towards igneous rocks that are extrusive, meaning they form from magma erupting onto the Earth's surface and cooling quickly. This rapid cooling prevents large crystal formation, leading to fine-grained or glassy textures. The dark coloration often comes from a high content of iron and magnesium minerals.
Common examples include basalt, which forms vast lava flows and oceanic crust, and obsidian, a natural volcanic glass. Understanding these geological terms can often give you an edge in crosswords, as they frequently appear in science or nature-themed clues. When you see "dark volcanic rock," consider both the common, widespread types and the more specific, unique forms depending on the letter count.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue: Break down "dark volcanic rock" into its components. "Dark" indicates color, "volcanic" tells you the origin (from a volcano), and "rock" tells you the material.
- Consider Letter Count: The length of the answer is crucial. If it's a short answer like 4 letters, consider general terms like LAVA. For longer answers, more specific geological terms like BASALT or OBSIDIAN become more likely.
- Think of Synonyms and Related Terms: What other words are associated with volcanoes, darkness, or rocks? Sometimes a less direct synonym or a related concept is the intended answer.
- Use Cross-References: If you have other letters filled in from intersecting words, use them to narrow down possibilities for "dark volcanic rock".
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is basalt?
Basalt is a dark, fine-grained, extrusive igneous rock that forms from the rapid cooling of magnesium-rich and iron-rich lava exposed at or very near the Earth's surface. It's one of the most common types of volcanic rock on Earth.
What is the difference between lava and volcanic rock?
Lava refers to molten rock that has erupted from a volcano and is still in its liquid or semi-liquid state. Volcanic rock, on the other hand, is the solidified form of lava after it has cooled and hardened on or near the Earth's surface.
Why might 'lava' be an answer for 'dark volcanic rock'?
While strictly speaking lava is molten and not a 'rock' until it solidifies, crossword clues sometimes use a broader interpretation. 'Lava' is the direct source of volcanic rock and is often dark, making it a plausible short answer, especially in puzzles where letter count is critical and a more specific term doesn't fit.