flaky rock crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue 'flaky rock crossword,' you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find the most common and accurate solutions to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "flaky rock crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MICA: A common rock-forming mineral group, often found in thin, elastic, and transparent sheets, giving it a characteristic flaky appearance.
More About "flaky rock crossword"
The crossword clue "flaky rock" almost exclusively points to one common mineral: MICA. This widely occurring mineral is famous for its distinct property of splitting into thin, flexible, and often transparent sheets. This characteristic "flakiness" is a key identifier and makes it a perfect fit for crossword puzzles seeking a specific geological term with a clear descriptive property.
Mica minerals are a significant component of igneous and metamorphic rocks, found worldwide. Their ability to cleave into incredibly thin layers is due to their unique crystal structure. This physical attribute is so pronounced that it has become the defining feature for its crossword clue.
While other rocks like shale or slate can also appear layered or somewhat flaky, Mica's perfect basal cleavage stands out, making it the primary answer when "flaky rock" appears in a puzzle. Understanding this distinctive feature of Mica helps solvers quickly identify the correct answer, especially when a four-letter word is required.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think of Unique Properties: When a clue describes a physical attribute (like "flaky"), consider geological terms where that attribute is exceptionally prominent.
- Common Mineral Names: Many crossword clues will refer to common minerals or rocks. Familiarize yourself with names like MICA, QUARTZ, TALC, or SLATE.
- Check Letter Count: Always use the given letter count to narrow down possibilities. For "flaky rock", a four-letter answer strongly suggests MICA.
- Consider Synonyms: Sometimes the clue might use a synonym or a less direct description. Think about other words that convey 'flaky' or 'layered' in a geological context, even if they're not the primary answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mica?
Mica is a group of silicate minerals known for their perfect basal cleavage, meaning they can be split into very thin, flexible, and transparent sheets. This unique property makes them appear 'flaky', hence their frequent appearance in crossword clues referring to flaky rocks or minerals.
Why is 'flaky rock' a common crossword clue?
The phrase 'flaky rock' directly describes the physical characteristic of Mica, a relatively common mineral. Its distinct property makes it a good candidate for clues that refer to a specific, easily identifiable trait, making it a fair and often-used answer in crosswords for various lengths, though 'MICA' specifically fits 4 letters.
Are there other 'flaky' rocks that could be crossword answers?
While Mica is the most direct and common answer for 'flaky rock', other rocks like Shale or Slate can also exhibit a flaky or layered appearance due to their sedimentary or metamorphic origins. However, for a concise clue like 'flaky rock', Mica is usually the intended solution in crosswords due to its pronounced and distinctive flakiness.