crossword banded stone – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find the most accurate and comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "crossword banded stone", along with detailed explanations and useful tips to help you master your next puzzle.
Solutions for "crossword banded stone" by Letter Count
5 Letters
AGATE: A variety of chalcedony, a form of quartz, noted for its distinctive banding patterns.
More About "crossword banded stone"
The term "banded stone" in crosswords almost universally points to AGATE. Agate is a cryptocrystalline variety of silica, primarily chalcedony, characterized by its fineness of grain and brightness of color. Although agates can be found in various rock types, they are classically associated with volcanic rocks and can be found in many parts of the world. The striking bands are typically formed by successive deposition of silica in layers within cavities in host rocks, resulting in concentric or horizontal patterns.
Agate has been used since ancient times for decorative purposes, including jewelry, carvings, and ornamental objects, due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. Its unique banding makes each piece distinct, contributing to its popularity. In the context of crosswords, 'agate' is a concise and well-known term for this specific type of geological formation, making it a reliable and frequently encountered solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count: Always verify the number of letters in your proposed answer against the grid. For "banded stone," a 5-letter word like AGATE fits perfectly.
- Think Synonyms and Specifics: Crossword clues often use general terms to hint at specific items. "Banded stone" is a general description, while AGATE is the specific type.
- Consider Common Crossword Lore: Certain words, like AGATE for "banded stone" or ERNE for "sea eagle," are staples in crossword puzzles due to their convenient lengths and unique meanings. Learning these common pairings can significantly speed up your solving time.
- Use Intersecting Clues: If you're unsure about "banded stone," try solving intersecting clues first. The letters filled in from other answers can often reveal the correct solution for AGATE.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a 'banded stone' in the context of crosswords?
In crosswords, 'banded stone' almost invariably refers to an AGATE. Agates are a variety of chalcedony noted for their characteristic banded structure, which forms unique patterns and colors. This makes 'agate' a very specific and common answer for this clue.
Why is AGATE such a common answer for 'banded stone' clues?
AGATE is a common crossword answer for 'banded stone' because it is the most well-known and direct example of such a geological formation. Its name is also a convenient length (5 letters), making it easy to fit into many crossword grids, and it's a term widely recognized enough to be fair game for solvers.
Are there other types of 'banded stones' that might appear in crosswords?
While AGATE is by far the most common answer, occasionally clues might refer to specific types of agate like ONYX (a form of agate with parallel bands) or SARDONYX (a variety of onyx with white and red-brown bands). However, for a general 'banded stone' clue, AGATE is almost always the intended solution due to its broad recognition.