hyalite crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "hyalite crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
OPAL: A clear, colorless variety of opal, often referred to as "water opal" due to its transparent appearance.
5 Letters
GLASS: Hyalite is a type of natural glass, specifically a transparent variety of opal that resembles clear glass.
6 Letters
SILICA: Hyalite is primarily composed of hydrated silica, the same base material as other opals.
More About "hyalite crossword clue"
Hyalite, often encountered in crosswords, refers to a specific type of opal. Unlike the more common opals known for their vibrant "play-of-color," hyalite is typically clear and colorless, resembling glass or dewdrops. Its name comes from the Greek word "hyalos," meaning glass, perfectly describing its appearance. This unique mineraloid forms in volcanic environments, often found as globular or botryoidal masses coating other rocks.
One of the most fascinating aspects of hyalite, which might not always be relevant for a crossword answer but adds to its mystique, is its strong fluorescence under ultraviolet (UV) light. Depending on its impurities, it can glow bright green, blue, or even yellow, making it a favorite among mineral collectors. Its transparent nature means it lacks the internal structure that creates the rainbow effects in precious opals, leading to its distinctive "water opal" nickname.
When you see "hyalite" in a crossword, think about its chemical composition (silica), its classification (a type of opal), or its appearance (glass-like). The clues often hint at one of these characteristics, guiding you to the correct answer based on the letter count.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms and related terms: For clues like "hyalite," think about what it IS (a type of opal), what it's MADE OF (silica), or what it LOOKS LIKE (glass). This broadens your options beyond a single direct definition.
- Look at the letter count: The number of letters provided is your most powerful constraint. If you know "hyalite" is a type of opal, but the answer needs five letters, "OPAL" won't fit, but "GLASS" might.
- Check intersecting words: Use the letters from solved intersecting words to fill in blanks for your current clue. Even one or two letters can dramatically narrow down possibilities for "hyalite."
- Utilize the clue's context: Pay attention to any qualifiers in the clue, such as "clear hyalite," "volcanic hyalite," or "gemstone hyalite," as these can guide you to a more precise answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hyalite in simple terms?
Hyalite is a unique type of opal that is clear and colorless, often resembling glass or dewdrops. It's also known as 'water opal' due to its transparent appearance and can exhibit a beautiful green fluorescence under UV light.
Where is hyalite typically found?
Hyalite usually forms in volcanic regions, often as botryoidal or globular crusts, or as coatings on other rocks, particularly around geysers or fumaroles. Notable locations include Mexico, Iceland, and parts of the United States.
Is hyalite considered a valuable gemstone?
While hyalite is beautiful, especially for collectors due to its unique properties like fluorescence, it's generally not as highly prized or valuable as precious opals (those with 'play-of-color'). Its value comes more from its scientific interest and aesthetic appeal as a natural mineral specimen.