Unearthing the Solution: That Tricky “Diamonds Can Cut Glass…” Crossword Clue!
Every day, the ritual begins. You settle in, pen poised (or fingers hovering over the keyboard), ready to tackle the daily crossword. Some days, the answers flow like a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. Other days, you hit a wall, staring blankly at a particular
crossword clue
that seems designed to humble even the most seasoned solver. It’s those moments of delicious frustration, isn’t it? The brain whirring, trying to connect disparate pieces of knowledge, searching for that elusive
aha!
moment.
Recently, a particular
crossword clue
landed on my grid that certainly demanded a deeper dive into scientific principles rather than just clever wordplay. The clue read: “Diamonds can cut glass, corundum can scratch most other minerals, et al.?” Immediately, my mind went from typical word association to a full-blown geology lesson. This wasn’t just about finding a synonym; it was about recalling a specific, foundational concept from the world of mineralogy.
This type of factual
crossword clue
is often the most satisfying to crack, precisely because it forces you to tap into your general knowledge reservoir. “Diamonds can cut glass” instantly brings to mind their unparalleled hardness. “Corundum can scratch most other minerals” further reinforces this theme, pointing to another incredibly hard substance, second only to diamond on a commonly recognized scale. The “et al.?” is the clincher, indicating that this isn’t just about two specific examples, but a broader concept or a system of classification. It’s a fantastic example of how crosswords aren’t just about vocabulary, but about connecting seemingly disparate facts under a single, unifying principle.
For many, this specific
crossword clue
might initially feel like a curveball. Unless you’ve spent time around geology textbooks or have a particular interest in material science, the immediate answer might not leap out. You might find yourself picturing scientists in labs, testing minerals, or recalling distant high school science lessons. But that’s the beauty of a well-crafted
crossword clue
: it sends you on a mental scavenger hunt, prompting you to dust off forgotten information or make logical deductions based on the provided examples.
The challenge lies in understanding that the clue isn’t asking for
what
diamonds or corundum
are
, but rather what fundamental property or system of measurement defines their ability to interact with other materials in the way described. It’s all about relative strength, specifically resistance to scratching. Once that click happens, and you connect the examples to the underlying scientific principle, the solution feels inevitable, and immensely satisfying. It’s a testament to how puzzles can illuminate the world around us, one precise fact at a time.
Did this particular
crossword clue
give you pause? Were you able to piece together the scientific underpinnings of it, or did you find yourself scratching your head (pun intended!)? These are the kinds of challenges that make the daily puzzle so rewarding, turning a simple word game into an engaging journey of discovery. Stay tuned for more insights into how to conquer those tricky
crossword clue
conundrums!
Available Answers:
COOLHARDFACTS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Friday’s Daily By Brian Keller & Katie Hale / Ed. Patti Varol