mineral crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "mineral crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by length, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "mineral crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ORE: A natural solid material from which a metal or valuable mineral can be profitably extracted.
4 Letters
TALC: A very soft mineral, hydrated magnesium silicate, often used in powder form.
4 Letters
MICA: A common rock-forming mineral group, known for its distinct platy layers.
6 Letters
QUARTZ: A hard, crystalline mineral composed of silicon dioxide, a common constituent of many rocks.
GYPSUM: A soft white or grey mineral consisting of hydrated calcium sulfate, used for making plaster of Paris.
7 Letters
DIAMOND: A precious stone consisting of a largely transparent form of carbon, the hardest known mineral.
More About "mineral crossword clue"
Minerals are fundamental components of the Earth's crust, found in various forms and with diverse properties. In crosswords, clues related to 'mineral' can range from common rock-forming minerals to precious gemstones, or even industrial materials. Recognizing these can often unlock a significant portion of your puzzle.
Clues might focus on a mineral's hardness (e.g., DIAMOND), its specific use (e.g., TALC for powder, GYPSUM for plaster), its color, or its composition. Sometimes, the clue might be a bit more abstract, referring to a mineral deposit (ORE) or a specific type of rock that is predominantly a single mineral (like QUARTZ).
To master these clues, a broad knowledge of geology and common mineral names, as well as an understanding of their characteristics, is extremely valuable. Crossword setters love to play on words and common associations, so thinking about the most famous examples or uses of minerals can often lead you to the correct answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count: Always start by checking the number of letters required. This instantly narrows down your options significantly.
- Look for Synonyms & Associations: For "mineral," think about words like "rock," "stone," "ore," or even "gem." Crossword setters often use synonyms or closely related concepts.
- Think About Context: Is there a surrounding clue that might hint at a geological theme? Or does the clue refer to a specific property (e.g., "sparkling mineral," "soft mineral")?
- Check Common Compounds: Many common minerals are chemical compounds. While you don't need to be a chemist, knowing a few common ones (like silicon dioxide for QUARTZ) can be helpful.
- Use Cross-References: If you have intersecting letters from other solved clues, use them as vital hints to fill in the blanks for your mineral word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common mineral answers in crosswords?
Common mineral answers range from short ones like ORE, TALC, MICA to longer ones such as QUARTZ, GYPSUM, GRANITE, and DIAMOND. Familiarity with common geological terms helps.
How do I identify mineral clues in puzzles?
Look for keywords related to geology, mining, rocks, crystals, elements, or specific properties like 'hardest stone' or 'softest mineral'. Contextual clues about use (e.g., 'plaster component') are also helpful.
Are gemstones considered minerals in crosswords?
Yes, often. Many gemstones like DIAMOND, RUBY, SAPPHIRE, and EMERALD are indeed minerals, and they frequently appear as answers for 'mineral' or 'precious stone' clues in crosswords.