gemstone crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "gemstone crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by their length, along with explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "gemstone crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
RUBY: A precious red gemstone, often associated with love and passion. It's a common four-letter answer for 'gemstone' in crosswords.
OPAL: A hydrated amorphous form of silica; its name is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Upala', meaning 'jewel'. Known for its unique play of colors.
JADE: An ornamental mineral, mostly known for its green varieties, widely used in carvings and jewelry in various cultures, particularly Asian.
5 Letters
PEARL: A hard, glistening object produced within the soft tissue of a living shelled mollusk or another animal, like a conch. Often used as a gemstone, particularly in jewelry.
AGATE: A banded form of chalcedony, a cryptocrystalline variety of silica. It's a popular semi-precious gemstone often used in decorative items and jewelry.
7 Letters
EMERALD: A vivid green gemstone, a variety of beryl, typically found in a hexagonal crystal system. Highly prized for its unique color.
DIAMOND: A solid form of carbon with a crystal structure, known for its exceptional hardness and brilliance, making it highly valued as a gemstone.
8 Letters
SAPPHIRE: A precious gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum, known for its deep blue color, though it can come in many other colors except red.
More About "gemstone crossword clue"
Gemstones are a popular category in crossword puzzles, given the vast array of options with varying lengths and cultural associations. Clues can range from general terms like "precious stone" to specific colors or origins, such as "red gemstone" or "birthstone for May." Understanding the common types of gemstones and their typical letter counts is crucial for quickly solving these clues.
From the fiery red RUBY to the deep blue SAPPHIRE, or the iridescent OPAL, each gemstone carries unique characteristics that can be hinted at in the clue. Crossword setters often use these unique properties, or even their geological classifications (like varieties of beryl or corundum), to create clever and challenging clues. Keeping a mental list of common gemstone names by length can give you a significant advantage.
Additionally, some puzzles might feature less common, semi-precious stones such as AGATE or JADE. Familiarity with these broader categories, not just the "big four" (diamond, emerald, ruby, sapphire), will further expand your solving capabilities when faced with a "gemstone" clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the number of letters in the clue's answer box to potential gemstone names. This quickly narrows down possibilities.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use letters from already solved intersecting words to fill in blanks. For instance, if you have an 'R' and a 'B' in a 4-letter gemstone, RUBY becomes a strong candidate.
- Consider Commonality: Crosswords often favor well-known gemstones. Think of the most common ones first before delving into more obscure varieties.
- Think About Synonyms: Sometimes the clue might use a synonym for "gemstone" like "jewel," "stone," or "rock," which still points to a gemstone answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common gemstone answers in crosswords?
Common gemstone answers often include RUBY, OPAL, JADE, PEARL, AGATE, EMERALD, SAPPHIRE, and DIAMOND, among others. The specific answer depends on the number of letters required and any intersecting clues.
How can I identify a gemstone answer in a crossword?
Look for context clues in the puzzle grid, such as intersecting letters from other solved words. Consider the number of letters and think of popular gemstones that fit. Sometimes, the clue might hint at a specific color or origin.
Are synthetic gemstones valid answers in crosswords?
Generally, crossword clues for 'gemstone' refer to natural stones. While synthetic versions exist, they are rarely the intended answer unless the clue specifically indicates 'synthetic' or 'man-made stone'.