igneous rock crossword – All Crossword Answers
Searching for the solution to 'igneous rock crossword'? You've landed on the perfect page! Here, we provide comprehensive answers for all possible letter counts, along with detailed explanations to boost your geological and crossword knowledge. Dive in to find your missing word and learn more about these fascinating rocks.
Solutions for "igneous rock crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
LAVA: Molten rock that flows out of a volcano during an eruption and solidifies on the surface.
TUFF: A light, porous rock formed by the consolidation of volcanic ash.
6 Letters
BASALT: A dark, fine-grained, extrusive igneous rock formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava, often found in oceanic crust.
PUMICE: A very light and porous volcanic rock formed when a gas-rich froth of glassy lava solidifies rapidly, often used as an abrasive.
7 Letters
GRANITE: A common, coarse-grained, intrusive igneous rock consisting primarily of quartz, feldspar, and mica, widely used in construction.
8 Letters
OBSIDIAN: A naturally occurring volcanic glass formed as an extrusive igneous rock, produced from rapidly cooled felsic lava.
More About "igneous rock crossword"
Igneous rocks are one of the three main rock types, alongside sedimentary and metamorphic. Their name, derived from the Latin word "ignis" meaning fire, perfectly describes their origin: they form from the cooling and solidification of molten rock, either magma (beneath the Earth's surface) or lava (on the surface). This fundamental geological concept often appears in crosswords, requiring solvers to recall specific examples or properties.
The variety of igneous rocks provides a rich source for crossword clues. For instance, rocks formed from slowly cooling magma deep underground, like GRANITE, are known as intrusive igneous rocks and typically have large, visible crystals. Conversely, extrusive igneous rocks, like BASALT or OBSIDIAN, form from rapidly cooling lava on the surface, resulting in fine-grained or glassy textures. Understanding these distinctions can often give you the edge in solving related clues.
Common crossword answers related to igneous rocks often include their names (e.g., LAVA, PUMICE, TUFF), their characteristics (e.g., glassy, porous), or the processes associated with their formation (e.g., volcanic, molten). Keeping a mental list of these terms, coupled with their typical letter counts, will significantly improve your success rate for such clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always double-check the number of letters required for the answer. This is the single most important constraint in crossword solving and immediately narrows down possibilities.
- Consider Rock Types: For geological clues, think about the three main rock types (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic) and common examples for each category. For igneous clues, recall names like basalt, granite, obsidian, pumice, and lava.
- Look for Context: Clues often provide hints about the rock's formation, texture, or common uses. For example, "volcanic glass" points to OBSIDIAN, while "porous volcanic rock" suggests PUMICE.
- Think of Synonyms & Related Terms: Sometimes the answer isn't the rock itself, but a related term like "magma" or "volcano."
- Leverage Cross-References: Use letters from intersecting words to confirm or deduce parts of the answer for the igneous rock clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of igneous rocks?
Igneous rocks are broadly classified into intrusive (or plutonic) and extrusive (or volcanic) types. Intrusive rocks, like granite, form when magma cools and solidifies beneath the Earth's surface. Extrusive rocks, such as basalt or obsidian, form when lava erupts and cools quickly on or above the Earth's surface.
How can I quickly find answers for rock-related crossword clues?
When facing rock-related clues, consider the number of letters and common examples. Think about well-known rocks (granite, basalt), volcanic terms (lava, tuff), or specific properties (porous, glassy). Websites like Crosswordanswer.co.uk provide quick solutions and explanations, often categorized by letter count.
Are there common patterns for igneous rock clues in crosswords?
Yes, common patterns include clues focusing on their origin ("volcanic glass"), texture ("porous rock"), or specific uses ("countertop material"). Sometimes, clues might hint at their formation process (e.g., "cooled magma"). Knowing a variety of igneous rock types and their characteristics will greatly assist in solving these clues.