gemstones crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! We've gathered all the possible solutions and explanations for the "gemstones crossword clue" to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately. Find your answer by letter count below.
Solutions for "gemstones crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
RUBY: A precious red gemstone, a variety of corundum.
OPAL: A hydrated amorphous form of silica, known for its unique play of color.
JADE: A green ornamental stone, often used in carvings and jewelry.
ONYX: A chalcedony that comes in layers of different colors, often black and white.
5 Letters
TOPAZ: A silicate mineral, typically yellow, blue, or colorless, used as a gemstone.
AGATE: A banded form of chalcedony, a cryptocrystalline variety of silica.
PEARL: A hard, glistening object produced within the soft tissue of a living shelled mollusk.
6 Letters
GARNET: A group of silicate minerals, often red, used as gemstones and abrasives.
ZIRCON: A common mineral, often used as a gemstone due to its brilliance.
7 Letters
DIAMOND: A precious stone, a form of carbon, known for its brilliance and hardness.
EMERALD: A bright green precious stone, a variety of beryl.
8 Letters
SAPPHIRE: A precious gemstone, typically blue, a variety of corundum.
AMETHYST: A violet variety of quartz, often used in jewelry.
More About "gemstones crossword clue"
Gemstone clues are a common occurrence in crosswords, often appearing across various difficulty levels. These clues can range from straightforward definitions of specific stones (e.g., "Green gem" for EMERALD) to more descriptive or cryptic hints that require a deeper understanding of gem characteristics or traditional associations (e.g., "July birthstone" for RUBY). Familiarity with both precious (diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald) and semi-precious stones (amethyst, topaz, garnet, opal, jade) is key to cracking these clues.
Beyond simply naming a stone, some clues might refer to their properties like hardness (DIAMOND), color (SAPPHIRE), or origin (PEARL). Crossword constructors love to play on words, so be prepared for clues that use synonyms or indirect references to these beautiful minerals. Always consider the length of the answer required, as this can often narrow down the possibilities significantly, helping you distinguish between a four-letter 'ONYX' and an eight-letter 'AMETHYST'.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Categories: When you see a clue like "gemstones," immediately list common items from that category in your head. For gemstones, think of colors, famous examples, or birthstones.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your best friend. If you know the clue is for a gemstone and the answer is 4 letters, your options are immediately narrowed down to words like RUBY, OPAL, JADE, ONYX.
- Look for Overlaps: If you have letters from intersecting words, use them to your advantage. A few key letters can often reveal a common gemstone, even if the clue seems obscure.
- Consider Synonyms/Aliases: Sometimes, a gemstone might be clued by a less common name or a descriptive term. For instance, 'carbuncle' can refer to a red GARNET, and 'oriental emerald' might refer to a green SAPPHIRE.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common types of gemstone clues in crosswords?
Gemstone clues can be straightforward (e.g., 'Red gem'), descriptive (e.g., 'Birthstone for July'), or even cryptic ('Stone for a royal'). They often test your knowledge of common precious and semi-precious stones, their colors, or their traditional associations.
How can I identify a gemstone answer if I only have a few letters?
If you have only a few letters, consider common gemstone lengths like 4-letter words (RUBY, OPAL, JADE, ONYX) or 5-letter words (TOPAZ, AGATE, PEARL). Think about letters that frequently appear in these words, such as 'A', 'E', 'O', and 'R', or distinctive letters like 'J', 'X', or 'Z'.
Are there different kinds of gemstones to consider in crossword puzzles?
Yes, crossword clues for 'gemstones' can refer to both precious stones (like DIAMOND, RUBY, SAPPHIRE, EMERALD) and semi-precious stones (such as AMETHYST, TOPAZ, GARNET, OPAL, JADE, AGATE, ONYX, ZIRCON, PEARL). It's helpful to be familiar with a wide range of both categories.