How can I identify a 'rock type' clue in a crossword puzzle?

Look for keywords or phrases in the clue that hint at geological formations, materials, or processes. Common indicators include 'stone,' 'mineral,' 'earth science term,' 'formed from lava,' 'layered,' or 'changed by heat and pressure.'

rock type crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Q: What are the three main types of rock?

The three main types of rock are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. They are categorized based on their formation processes and geological origins.

Q: Why do crossword clues for rock types often vary in length?

Rock types have a wide array of names, ranging from broad classifications like 'igneous' to specific examples such as 'granite' or 'basalt.' This variety allows them to fit different word lengths required by crossword grids.

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your definitive source for solving those tricky crossword clues! If you're stuck on 'rock type crossword clue', you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.

Solutions for "rock type crossword clue" by Letter Count

4 Letters

LAVA: Molten rock that flows from a volcano.

5 Letters

SHALE: A fine-grained, clastic sedimentary rock formed from mud or clay.

SLATE: A fine-grained, homogeneous metamorphic rock, often derived from shale, known for its cleavage.

6 Letters

BASALT: A common mafic extrusive igneous rock, forming much of the Earth's oceanic crust.

MARBLE: A non-foliated metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals, popular for sculpture.

GNEISS: A common and widely distributed type of metamorphic rock, typically coarse-grained and banded.

PUMICE: A very light and porous volcanic rock, formed when superheated, highly pressurized molten rock is rapidly ejected from a volcano.

7 Letters

GRANITE: A common type of felsic intrusive igneous rock, rich in quartz and feldspar, often used in construction.

IGNEOUS: Formed from the cooling and solidification of molten magma or lava, one of the three main rock types.

8 Letters

DOLOMITE: A carbonate mineral and also a type of sedimentary rock, often confused with limestone.

9 Letters

SANDSTONE: A clastic sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized mineral or rock grains.

11 Letters

METAMORPHIC: A rock that has undergone transformation by heat, pressure, or other natural agencies, e.g., marble or slate.

SEDIMENTARY: A rock type formed from the accumulation or deposition of mineral or organic particles at the Earth's surface, e.g., sandstone or shale.

More About "rock type crossword clue"

Rocks are fundamental components of Earth's crust, categorized into three primary types based on their formation processes: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Igneous rocks, like granite and basalt, form from the cooling and solidification of molten rock (magma or lava). These can be intrusive (cooling slowly underground) or extrusive (cooling rapidly on the surface).

Sedimentary rocks, such as sandstone and shale, are formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediments, which are fragments of pre-existing rocks, minerals, or organic matter. This process often occurs in layers, making them valuable for studying Earth's history. Metamorphic rocks, including marble and slate, are formed when existing rocks are subjected to intense heat, pressure, or chemical alteration, causing them to transform into new rock types with different physical and chemical properties.

Understanding these classifications not only aids in geological studies but also provides a rich vocabulary for crossword constructors. The diversity of rock names, from common household terms to specific scientific classifications, makes 'rock type' a versatile clue that can demand a wide range of answers depending on the puzzle's complexity and the required letter count.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Consider Formation: Many rock type clues hint at how the rock was formed (e.g., "volcanic rock" for BASALT or "changed by heat" for METAMORPHIC). Think about the three main categories.
Look at Length: If you have many letters filled in, narrow down your options to longer, more specific rock names like 'SEDIMENTARY' or 'SANDSTONE'. For shorter answers, 'LAVA' or 'SHALE' are common.
Think Common Uses: Some rock types are known for their applications (e.g., "sculptor's choice" for MARBLE, or "kitchen counter material" for GRANITE).
Check Cross-References: If the clue is vague, check intersecting words. A letter from an already solved clue can be the key to unlocking the rock type.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three main types of rock?

The three main types are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic, categorized by their formation process and geological origins.

Why do crossword clues for rock types often vary in length?

Rock types have many names, from broad categories like 'igneous' to specific examples like 'granite' or 'basalt,' fitting various word lengths in a crossword grid.

How can I identify a rock type clue in a crossword?

Look for related terms like 'stone,' 'mineral,' 'geological formation,' or descriptions of origin such as 'volcanic,' 'layered,' or 'transformed by pressure.'