gemstone crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on a crossword clue involving a "gemstone," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "gemstone crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
OPAL: A precious stone known for its unique play of color, often iridescent.
JADE: A green ornamental stone, highly valued in some cultures, particularly East Asian.
RUBY: A precious red gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum.
ONYX: A chalcedony-based gemstone, often black with white bands.
5 Letters
AGATE: A common rock formation, a cryptocrystalline variety of silica, chiefly chalcedony, found in various colors.
TOPAZ: A silicate mineral, often yellow, blue, or colorless, frequently used as a gemstone.
6 Letters
GARNET: A group of silicate minerals used since the Bronze Age as gemstones and abrasives, commonly red.
7 Letters
EMERALD: A precious green gemstone, a variety of the mineral beryl, highly prized.
DIAMOND: A well-known carbon allotrope, famous for its extreme hardness and brilliance, widely used in jewelry.
8 Letters
SAPPHIRE: A precious gemstone, typically blue, a variety of corundum, known for its durability.
AMETHYST: A violet variety of quartz, often used in jewelry, associated with various healing properties.
More About "gemstone crossword"
Gemstones are a popular category in crossword puzzles due to their diverse names, colors, and properties. Clues can range from straightforward definitions ("A red precious stone") to more obscure references to their origins, historical uses, or even their chemical composition. Many puzzles lean on the most famous gemstones like diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, but don't be surprised to encounter lesser-known varieties such as onyx, agate, or garnet, especially in more challenging puzzles.
Understanding the common associations with certain gemstones can be a real asset. For example, 'green' often points to EMERALD or JADE, 'blue' to SAPPHIRE, and 'red' to RUBY or GARNET. Sometimes the clue might hint at a birthstone or a stone known for a particular quality, like 'hardest gem' for DIAMOND. Always consider the number of letters required for the answer, as this is your most important guide.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: This is your primary filter. Once you identify a clue that points to a gemstone, immediately count the available spaces to narrow down your options.
- Look for Color Clues: Many gemstone clues include a color. 'Green gem' will quickly rule out ruby and sapphire. Think common colors like red, blue, green, and purple.
- Consider Precious vs. Semi-Precious: While not always explicitly stated, some puzzles subtly hint at whether they're looking for a common or a more valuable stone.
- Check Intersecting Words: The letters from solved intersecting clues are invaluable. They often reveal enough of the gemstone's name to make the answer obvious.
- Familiarize Yourself with Common Gemstones: A quick mental list of gemstones of different lengths (e.g., OPAL (4), JADE (4), AGATE (5), GARNET (6), EMERALD (7), SAPPHIRE (8)) can drastically speed up your solve time.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common gemstones to appear in crossword puzzles?
Common gemstones in crosswords include RUBY, EMERALD, SAPPHIRE, DIAMOND, OPAL, JADE, and AMETHYST. Puzzles often use their colors, properties, or common associations (e.g., 'birthstone for July' for RUBY) as clues.
How can I figure out the length of a 'gemstone' answer in a crossword?
The length of the answer is crucial. If you have intersecting letters, use them. Also, consider the specific phrasing of the clue. A general 'gemstone' might have many answers, but 'Red gemstone' or 'Green gemstone' narrows it down. Try common names of various lengths, always matching them to the available spaces.
Are there different categories of gemstones used in crosswords?
Yes, clues can refer to precious stones (like DIAMOND, RUBY, SAPPHIRE, EMERALD) or semi-precious stones (like AMETHYST, TOPAZ, AGATE, JADE). Sometimes the clue might hint at a specific characteristic, such as 'birthstone' or 'a type of quartz', further specifying the category.