sedimentary rock crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your definitive guide for solving tricky crossword clues! If you're pondering over the "sedimentary rock" clue, you've landed on the perfect page. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "sedimentary rock crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
COAL: A black, combustible sedimentary rock formed from ancient plant matter, often used as a fossil fuel.
5 Letters
SHALE: A fine-grained, clastic sedimentary rock composed of mud, including flakes of clay minerals and tiny fragments of other minerals like quartz and calcite.
CHALK: A soft, white, porous sedimentary rock, a form of limestone composed of the mineral calcite.
6 Letters
GYPSUM: A soft sulfate mineral, widely mined and used in plaster and drywall.
8 Letters
MUDSTONE: A fine-grained sedimentary rock, whose original constituents were clays or muds. It is similar to shale but has less fissility.
9 Letters
LIMESTONE: A common type of carbonate sedimentary rock, composed mostly of calcite and aragonite (calcium carbonate).
SANDSTONE: A clastic sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments.
More About "sedimentary rock crossword clue"
Sedimentary rocks are fascinating geological formations, and their names frequently appear in crossword puzzles. These rocks are formed on or near the Earth's surface through the accumulation and compaction of sediments. This process can involve weathered pieces of older rocks, organic matter, or even chemical precipitates. Their diverse origins lead to a wide variety of rock types, from the familiar COAL, crucial for energy, to the architecturally significant LIMESTONE and SANDSTONE.
Understanding the basics of geology can give you a significant edge in crosswords. Clues related to 'sedimentary rock' might hint at specific formation processes (e.g., 'compacted mud'), uses (e.g., 'building material'), or even colors and textures. By familiarizing yourself with common examples and their characteristics, you can quickly narrow down the possibilities when faced with such a clue, regardless of its letter count.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count: Always start by matching the number of letters your potential answer has with the spaces available in the grid. This is the quickest way to eliminate many possibilities.
- Consider Synonyms & Related Terms: For "sedimentary rock," think about terms associated with geology, earth science, or specific types of rock formations. Sometimes the answer isn't the rock itself, but a process or characteristic.
- Utilize Cross-References: If you have intersecting words, use the letters you've already filled in from other clues to confirm or narrow down your options for the "sedimentary rock" answer.
- Think Common Examples: Puzzles often use the most well-known examples of a category. For sedimentary rocks, think of the ones you learned about in school or see in everyday life.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a sedimentary rock?
Sedimentary rocks are types of rock that are formed by the accumulation or deposition of mineral or organic particles at Earth's surface, followed by cementation. Sedimentation is the collective name for processes that cause these particles to settle in place. The particles are then compacted and lithified (turned into rock) over time. Common examples include sandstone, limestone, and shale.
Why are sedimentary rocks often featured in crosswords?
Sedimentary rocks are common crossword answers due to their diverse range of names, varying letter counts, and their general knowledge appeal. Many terms like 'shale,' 'coal,' and 'limestone' are widely recognized and fit various puzzle grids, making them versatile clues for constructors.
How can I identify a sedimentary rock answer in a crossword?
Look at the number of letters required for the answer. Common sedimentary rock names vary in length (e.g., COAL is 4, SHALE is 5, SANDSTONE is 9). Consider other clue words that might hint at a geological or natural formation context. If the clue mentions a specific property like 'fossil fuel' (COAL) or 'marine deposits' (LIMESTONE), that's a strong indicator.