gem crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "gem crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle efficiently.
Solutions for "gem crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
RUBY: A precious red gemstone, often associated with love and passion.
OPAL: A unique gemstone known for its iridescent play of colors.
JADE: A valuable green mineral, especially prized in East Asian cultures.
5 Letters
PEARL: A hard, glistening spherical object produced within the soft tissue of a living shelled mollusk.
AGATE: A variety of chalcedony noted for its banded or variegated patterns.
7 Letters
DIAMOND: The hardest known natural mineral, highly prized as a gemstone.
EMERALD: A highly prized green variety of beryl, known for its vibrant color.
8 Letters
AMETHYST: A popular purple variety of quartz, often used in jewelry.
SAPPHIRE: A precious gemstone, typically blue but also found in other colors, a variety of corundum.
More About "gem crossword clue"
The clue "gem" in a crossword puzzle can be surprisingly versatile, leading to a wide array of answers. While common precious stones like RUBY, EMERALD, and SAPPHIRE are frequent solutions, setters often use this clue to refer to a broader category of valuable stones, including semi-precious varieties such as AGATE or AMETHYST. Sometimes, it can even refer to an individual "jewel" or a specific cut, like a BRILLIANT.
Understanding the nuances of "gem" as a clue often depends on the puzzle's difficulty and the available letter count. A shorter answer might point to common four-letter words like JADE or OPAL, while longer blanks could require knowledge of more specific gemstones. Always consider the context of the surrounding letters you've already filled in, as this can significantly narrow down the possibilities for this common yet diverse crossword clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always match the known letters and the required length. This is the most crucial step in solving any crossword clue, especially for a broad category like "gem."
- Look for Color Cues: While "gem" is generic, other parts of the clue or intersecting words might hint at a specific color (e.g., "green gem" for EMERALD, or a word intersecting that suggests "red").
- Think Beyond Precious: Don't limit your thoughts to just diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. Many semi-precious stones (like TOPAZ, ONYX, GARNET) are equally valid answers depending on the setter's intent.
- Check for Synonyms: Sometimes "gem" might refer to something excellent or a "prize," so consider synonyms for general excellence if stone names don't fit.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common short answers for 'gem' in crosswords?
Common short answers for 'gem' often include words like RUBY, OPAL, JADE, or ONYX, typically ranging from 3 to 5 letters.
How can I distinguish between similar gem answers like 'emerald' and 'sapphire'?
Look for additional clues in the puzzle. For example, if the clue mentions 'green,' it's likely EMERALD. If it mentions 'blue' or 'royal,' SAPPHIRE might be the answer. Letter count is also a key differentiator.
Are there any less common 'gem' answers to look out for?
Yes, sometimes crosswords use less common gems like AGATE, GARNET, TOPAZ, or even broader terms like STONE or JEWEL, depending on the subtlety of the clue.