flaky minerals crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "flaky minerals crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MICA: A common group of sheet silicate minerals known for their perfect basal cleavage, allowing them to split into thin, flexible, and often transparent flakes.
TALC: A very soft mineral, a hydrous magnesium phyllosilicate, that often forms in a flaky or platy habit and is known for its greasy feel and lamellar structure.
5 Letters
SHALE: A fine-grained, clastic sedimentary rock composed of mud that is a mixture of flakes of clay minerals and tiny fragments of other minerals, often splitting into thin layers.
More About "flaky minerals crossword clue"
Minerals described as "flaky" in crossword clues typically refer to their characteristic cleavage, which allows them to break or split along flat planes, creating thin sheets or flakes. This property is due to their internal atomic structure, where weak bonds exist between layers of atoms.
The most iconic example is MICA, renowned for its ability to cleave into incredibly thin, often transparent, elastic sheets. This unique property makes mica a popular answer for such clues, as it perfectly embodies the "flaky" description. Other minerals like TALC and SHALE, while different in composition, also exhibit a similar tendency to form in or break into layered or platy structures, making them plausible answers depending on the context and the specific puzzle's letter count requirements.
Understanding these geological properties can be a significant advantage when encountering mineral-related clues in crosswords, allowing you to quickly identify potential answers based on their physical characteristics.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze Adjectives: Words like "flaky," "hard," "soft," or "lustrous" often hint at a mineral's physical properties. Knowing common examples for these characteristics can quickly narrow down options.
- Consider Letter Count: Always check the number of letters required. For "flaky minerals," if it's four letters, MICA or TALC are strong candidates. If it's five, SHALE might fit.
- Think Beyond Minerals: While the clue specifically mentions "minerals," sometimes crosswords use a broader interpretation. Consider geological formations, rocks, or even composite materials that might be described as "flaky."
- Look for Cross-References: If other answers are falling into place, they might reveal letters that help confirm or rule out your mineral guesses.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common characteristics of flaky minerals in crosswords?
Crossword clues for flaky minerals often refer to their layered structure, ability to split into thin sheets, or their softness. Common answers include MICA, TALC, or SHALE, which are all known for their distinct platy or layered formations.
How can I solve mineral-related crossword clues?
Familiarize yourself with common minerals and their properties such as hardness, color, or typical uses. Pay close attention to adjectives in the clue (e.g., 'flaky,' 'hard,' 'soft,' 'precious') and the required letter count. Thinking about industrial applications or well-known geological formations can also help.
Are there other minerals similar to 'flaky minerals' that appear in crosswords?
Yes, other layered or cleavable minerals like graphite, gypsum, or even certain clay minerals (e.g., kaolin) can sometimes be clued in a way that suggests a 'flaky' or 'platy' characteristic, depending on the specific puzzle setter's interpretation. Always consider the context and letter count.