hard mineral crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the clue "hard mineral" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, along with detailed explanations to help you complete your puzzle and expand your general knowledge.
Solutions for "hard mineral crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TOPAZ: A gemstone known for its hardness, scoring 8 on the Mohs scale, often clued in crosswords for its properties.
6 Letters
QUARTZ: A very common hard mineral, scoring 7 on the Mohs scale, frequently appearing in puzzles due to its prevalence and crystalline structure.
7 Letters
DIAMOND: The hardest known natural mineral, rating 10 on the Mohs scale, making it a classic and obvious solution for 'hard mineral' clues.
8 Letters
CORUNDUM: An exceptionally hard mineral, scoring 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond, and the mineral form of ruby and sapphire.
More About "hard mineral crossword"
The term "hard mineral" in crosswords usually refers to substances with a high rating on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This scale, developed by German geologist and mineralogist Friedrich Mohs in 1812, characterizes the scratch resistance of various minerals through the ability of a harder material to scratch a softer material. Diamond, scoring a 10, is famously at the top, while minerals like talc are at the softer end with a 1.
Crossword setters often use "hard mineral" to point towards well-known gems or industrial materials that derive their value or utility from their extreme durability. Beyond the common answers like DIAMOND or QUARTZ, more obscure but equally hard minerals like CORUNDUM (which forms rubies and sapphires) or TOPAZ might also appear, testing solvers' geological knowledge.
When encountering such a clue, consider not just the absolute hardness but also the commonness of the mineral's name in everyday language or specific contexts, as crosswords often play on both scientific accuracy and general knowledge.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Mohs Scale: For "hard mineral" clues, think about minerals known for high Mohs scale ratings. Diamond (10), Corundum (9), Topaz (8), and Quartz (7) are common ones.
- Check Letter Count: Always match the possible answers to the specific number of letters required. This is often the quickest way to narrow down options from a list of possibilities.
- Contextual Clues: Sometimes the clue might offer more than just "hard mineral." Look for accompanying words that hint at color (e.g., "red hard mineral" for RUBY, which is a form of corundum), use (e.g., "abrasive hard mineral"), or location.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: While Diamond is the most obvious answer for 'hard mineral', crosswords love to throw in less common but still valid options to challenge you. Don't stop at the first answer you think of.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hardest known natural mineral?
The hardest known natural mineral is diamond, which scores a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This makes it an ideal answer for many 'hard mineral' crossword clues.
How are minerals typically classified by hardness in geology?
Minerals are primarily classified by hardness using the Mohs scale, which ranks minerals from 1 (softest, like talc) to 10 (hardest, like diamond) based on their ability to scratch one another.
Why do minerals like 'quartz' or 'diamond' appear frequently in crosswords?
Minerals like quartz and diamond are common crossword answers because they are widely known, have distinct properties (like hardness), and their names often fit various letter counts. They also provide opportunities for clever cluing related to their uses, appearance, or scientific context.