banded quartz crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for the solution to "banded quartz crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find accurate answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "banded quartz crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ONYX: A parallel-banded variety of chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline form of quartz, often featuring layers of black and white or other colors.
5 Letters
AGATE: A translucent, microcrystalline variety of quartz, characterized by its concentric or parallel bands of various colors, often formed in volcanic rocks.
More About "banded quartz crossword clue"
The term "banded quartz" specifically points to mineral forms of quartz (or its microcrystalline varieties like chalcedony) that exhibit distinct layers or bands. Agate is perhaps the most famous example, known for its beautiful concentric rings or parallel stripes. These patterns result from variations in the mineral's composition, impurities, or growth conditions during formation.
Onyx is another excellent answer to the "banded quartz" clue, specifically referring to a parallel-banded variety of chalcedony with typically straight, rather than curved, bands. While historically, onyx referred to black and white parallel bands, the term is now often used more broadly for any chalcedony with straight banding.
Understanding these specific mineralogical terms can be a huge asset in solving crosswords, as gems and minerals are common subjects for clues due to their unique names and properties.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Mineralogy: Clues about rocks, minerals, or gemstones often have specific, sometimes obscure, names. If a clue points to a physical property like "banded," consider which well-known minerals possess that characteristic.
- Consider Common Variants: For broad terms like "quartz," remember its many forms (e.g., amethyst, citrine, chalcedony, agate, onyx). The clue's descriptor (like "banded") will narrow it down to a specific variant.
- Check Letter Count: Always verify the number of letters. This is your most powerful tool in narrowing down possibilities, especially when multiple answers fit the description.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is banded quartz?
Banded quartz refers to varieties of the mineral quartz that exhibit distinct, often parallel, bands of different colors or opacities. The most common and widely recognized type is agate, a form of chalcedony (microcrystalline quartz).
Are agate and onyx types of banded quartz?
Yes, both agate and onyx are forms of chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline variety of quartz. They are characterized by their distinct banding patterns, making them classic examples of "banded quartz."
Why are crossword clues for gems and minerals common?
Crossword puzzles often feature clues for gems, minerals, and geological terms because they have unique names of varying lengths, distinct characteristics that can be clued, and are part of common knowledge (especially well-known gemstones). This allows for a wide range of creative and challenging clues.