stone crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're wrestling with the clue "stone" in your latest crossword, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution. Get ready to conquer that puzzle!
Solutions for "stone crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
GEM: A precious or semi-precious stone, typically cut and polished for jewelry.
PIT: The hard endocarp of a drupe, such as a cherry or olive, also known as a stone.
4 Letters
ROCK: A solid mineral mass, often used to refer to a piece of stone.
SLAB: A thick, flat piece of stone or other hard material.
CORE: The central, often stony, part of certain fruits like apples or pears.
RUBY: A precious red gemstone, a variety of corundum.
5 Letters
FLINT: A hard, dark grey chert, used for prehistoric tools and striking fire.
CHERT: A hard, dark, opaque, cryptocrystalline sedimentary rock, a form of quartz.
GRAIN: The particles of which a stone is composed; texture of a stone.
PEARL: Though not a stone, sometimes associated with precious natural elements, or 'mother-of-pearl' which is shell but shares context.
6 Letters
PEBBLE: A small, rounded stone, especially one worn smooth by water.
MARBLE: A hard, crystalline metamorphic form of limestone, typically white with streaks of color, used for sculpture and building.
COBBLE: A rounded stone used in paving, often for streets.
7 Letters
GRANITE: A very hard, granular, crystalline igneous rock, common as building material.
BOULDER: A large, rounded rock or stone, usually in a riverbed or on a hillside.
More About "stone crossword clue"
The word "stone" is a perennial favorite for crossword setters due to its remarkable versatility and multiple meanings. From its primary geological sense, referring to a hard, non-metallic mineral matter (like a rock or a pebble), it extends to encompass precious gems such as diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. Beyond these, "stone" can also refer to the hard pit found within certain fruits like cherries, peaches, or olives, a concept often used to mislead solvers.
Furthermore, "stone" serves as a unit of weight, particularly in the UK, equivalent to 14 pounds. This diverse range of interpretations means that a "stone" clue can lead to answers across various categories – from natural formations and valuable minerals to culinary components and measurements. Successful navigation of such clues often requires not just a broad vocabulary but also keen attention to context and the number of letters provided.
Understanding these nuances is crucial for any crossword enthusiast. When faced with a "stone" clue, consider the different facets of the word. Is it a type of rock, a sparkling jewel, a seed, or perhaps a measurement? The surrounding letters, the puzzle's theme, and the overall difficulty level can all provide valuable hints to pinpoint the exact meaning intended by the setter.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Letter Count: The length of the answer is your first and most powerful clue. For "stone," a 3-letter answer might be GEM or PIT, while a 6-letter answer could be PEBBLE or MARBLE. Use this to quickly eliminate many possibilities.
- Consider Synonyms & Homophones: Think broadly about words that mean 'stone' or sound like 'stone.' This could include geological terms (rock, pebble, boulder), precious gems (ruby, opal), or even actions (to stone something).
- Check Surrounding Clues: Often, other clues in the grid can provide context. If there are other mineral-related clues, it points towards a geological answer. If there are fruit-related clues, a 'pit' answer becomes more likely.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Crossword setters love to use words with multiple meanings. Don't get stuck on the most common definition. For 'stone,' remember it can also be a unit of weight or refer to a fruit's pit.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many answers for 'stone' in crosswords?
The word 'stone' has multiple meanings in English, ranging from a piece of rock to a unit of weight, a fruit pit, or a precious gem. Crossword setters leverage this semantic richness to create varied clues, making it a versatile and sometimes tricky word to solve.
How can I distinguish between different 'stone' answers?
Context is key! Look at surrounding clues for themes (e.g., geology, jewelry, fruit). Also, pay close attention to the number of letters required. Common answers like ROCK, GEM, PEBBLE, FLINT, and MARBLE vary significantly in length, helping you narrow down possibilities.
What other meanings of 'stone' might appear in clues?
Beyond geological forms, 'stone' can refer to the hard pit of a fruit (e.g., a cherry stone), a unit of weight (14 pounds in the UK), or even an act of throwing stones. Less common uses might hint at 'stoned' (intoxicated) or the process of 'stoning' (removing pits). Always consider the less literal interpretations!