dark volcanic rock crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "dark volcanic rock crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
BASALT: A common, dark-colored, fine-grained, igneous rock formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava. It makes up most of the Earth's oceanic crust.
SCORIA: A dark, vesicular (full of holes) volcanic rock, typically basaltic or andesitic in composition, formed by gas bubbles expanding as lava cools. Often found in cinder cones.
8 Letters
OBSIDIAN: A naturally occurring volcanic glass formed as an extrusive igneous rock. It is typically dark (often black) in color and has a sharp, conchoidal fracture, making it historically useful for tools and weapons.
More About "dark volcanic rock crossword puzzle clue"
The term "dark volcanic rock" in a crossword puzzle clue usually points to igneous rocks that are rich in iron and magnesium, giving them their characteristic dark appearance. These rocks are formed when molten lava cools and solidifies, often quickly, which can result in fine-grained textures or even a glassy structure. Understanding the geological context can significantly aid in solving such clues.
Common examples include Basalt, which forms the vast majority of the ocean floor and many volcanic islands, and Scoria, known for its porous texture due to trapped gas bubbles. Obsidian, while a rock, is specifically a volcanic glass, forming when lava cools so rapidly that crystals don't have time to grow. Each of these rocks has unique properties that can sometimes be hinted at in the clue itself, beyond just "dark" and "volcanic."
Crossword constructors love these terms because they are precise geological definitions that can fit various letter counts, providing both common and slightly more obscure solutions depending on the puzzle's difficulty. Familiarity with basic mineralogy and rock types can turn a challenging clue into a straightforward solve.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters required. For "dark volcanic rock," a 6-letter answer strongly suggests BASALT or SCORIA, while an 8-letter count might lead to OBSIDIAN.
- Think About Synonyms & Properties: Crossword clues often use synonyms or descriptive properties. "Porous dark volcanic rock" would strongly point to SCORIA, while "glassy dark volcanic rock" indicates OBSIDIAN. Always consider additional adjectives in the clue.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. This is the most crucial strategy in crosswords. If you have a 'B' and an 'S' at the beginning and end, BASALT becomes much more likely.
- Broaden Your Geological Vocabulary: Many crosswords feature terms from geology. Regularly reviewing common rock types, minerals, and geological processes can give you an edge in solving science-related clues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common dark volcanic rock in crosswords?
BASALT is frequently featured in crossword puzzles as a common answer for 'dark volcanic rock' due to its prevalence and distinct characteristics, being a fine-grained, dark igneous rock.
How do volcanic rock clues vary in crosswords?
Crossword clues for volcanic rocks can range from specific types like BASALT or OBSIDIAN to more general terms like LAVA or MAGMA. They often focus on attributes such as color (dark, light), texture (porous, glassy), or origin (extrusive, intrusive).
What makes a rock 'dark' in a crossword clue?
In geology and crosswords, 'dark' often refers to rocks with a high concentration of mafic minerals (rich in magnesium and iron), such as basalt and scoria, which are typically dark grey to black. This characteristic is a key hint in many puzzles.