hard mineral crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue 'hard mineral crossword clue' and need a little assistance, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "hard mineral crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TOPAZ: A relatively hard silicate mineral that occurs in various colors, often used as a gemstone.
6 Letters
QUARTZ: A very common, hard, crystalline mineral consisting of silicon dioxide, found in various forms and often used in electronics and jewelry.
7 Letters
DIAMOND: The hardest known natural mineral, an allotrope of carbon, renowned for its exceptional hardness and brilliance.
8 Letters
CORUNDUM: A crystalline form of aluminum oxide, noted for its hardness (9 on the Mohs scale), which includes gemstones like ruby and sapphire.
More About "hard mineral crossword clue"
Minerals are naturally occurring solid substances with a defined chemical composition and crystal structure. When a crossword clue specifies "hard mineral," it typically refers to those ranking high on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This scale, developed by German geologist and mineralogist Friedrich Mohs, assesses the scratch resistance of various minerals, ranging from 1 (talc, the softest) to 10 (diamond, the hardest).
Common answers for "hard mineral" in crosswords often include well-known gemstones or industrially important minerals. Understanding the general properties and common names of such minerals can give you an edge in solving these clues. Beyond just hardness, minerals might be clued by their color, crystalline form, common uses, or geographical origin, adding layers of complexity to the puzzle.
Crossword constructors love these clues because they can be quite specific, requiring precise knowledge, but also have multiple valid answers depending on the required letter count, allowing for flexibility in puzzle design.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count: Always start by matching the number of letters in the available slots to the potential answers. For "hard mineral," a 6-letter slot might point to QUARTZ, while a 7-letter slot might suggest DIAMOND.
- Consider Commonality: Crosswords often feature minerals that are either very common (like quartz) or famously unique (like diamond). Focus on these first before thinking of obscure ones.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Sometimes, the surrounding clues or letters already filled in can reveal if the mineral is used as a gemstone, an abrasive, or has other specific properties that might narrow down the options.
- Brush Up on Mohs Scale: A basic understanding of which minerals are hard versus soft can be incredibly helpful for this type of clue. You don't need to memorize the whole scale, but knowing the top few can be a game-changer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hardest mineral often featured in crosswords?
The hardest natural mineral, frequently featured in crosswords, is DIAMOND. It ranks 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making it the supreme choice when a 'hard mineral' clue appears.
Why might a crossword clue specify 'hard mineral' instead of just 'mineral'?
Specifying 'hard mineral' helps to narrow down the possible answers significantly. It differentiates from softer minerals like talc or gypsum and directs solvers towards minerals known for their durability and high Mohs scale ranking, such as quartz, topaz, or diamond.
Are there different levels of 'hardness' in minerals?
Yes, mineral hardness is precisely measured using the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This scale ranks minerals from 1 (the softest, like talc) to 10 (the hardest, diamond), indicating their resistance to scratching. Crossword clues often play on these distinct hardness levels.