You know that feeling when a new fact just hits you, completely out of left field, and you realize how little you truly know about the world? That’s the magic of a good crossword. One moment you’re wrestling with a tricky wordplay, the next you’re diving down a rabbit hole of scientific marvels or historical oddities. And honestly, it’s these little detours into unexpected knowledge that make deciphering every challenging crossword clue so utterly rewarding.
Recently, I stumbled upon a mind-boggling tidbit that left me genuinely astonished, and it’s precisely the kind of gem (pun absolutely intended!) that makes for a fantastic conversation starter, or indeed, a particularly head-scratching crossword clue. We often think of precious stones in terms of their sparkle, their rarity, or their color – the fiery red of a ruby, the deep blue of a sapphire, the unparalleled brilliance of a diamond. But beyond their aesthetic appeal, these natural wonders possess incredible physical properties that are, frankly, astounding.
And here’s the one that made my jaw drop: Did you know that when it comes to resisting immense pressure, diamonds are on an entirely different plane compared to their equally beautiful counterparts, rubies and sapphires? We’re not talking about a little bit stronger, or even twice as strong. The difference is staggering. Diamonds, the kings of hardness on the Mohs scale, are
58 times
more resistant to pressure than rubies or sapphires. Let that sink in for a moment. Fifty-eight times! It’s like comparing a fortress to a sturdy brick house – both strong, but one is built to withstand forces beyond imagination.
This isn’t just a random factoid; it speaks volumes about the incredible atomic structure of carbon when compressed under the Earth’s mantle. Rubies and sapphires are both varieties of the mineral corundum, essentially aluminum oxide with trace elements giving them their distinct hues. They’re incredibly hard, second only to diamonds on the Mohs scale, and we often lump them together with diamonds in terms of preciousness and durability. Yet, their crystal lattices, while robust, simply don’t compare to the diamond’s tightly bonded, tetrahedral arrangement of carbon atoms when faced with extreme compressive forces. This unique structure gives diamond its unparalleled ability to deform minimally under immense pressure, making it an engineering marvel as much as a dazzling jewel.
It’s facts like these that truly bring a crossword clue to life. What might seem like an obscure piece of trivia to some, becomes an entryway into understanding the fundamental properties of matter for a crossword enthusiast. Every time you solve a challenging crossword clue, you’re not just filling in squares; you’re expanding your mental database, uncovering connections, and appreciating the sheer diversity of knowledge out there. It’s a constant reminder that learning is a lifelong adventure, often sparked by the humble grid.
So next time you’re admiring a piece of jewelry, or more importantly, wrestling with a particularly stubborn crossword clue about gems, take a moment to appreciate the silent strength lying within these precious stones. It’s a testament to nature’s incredible engineering, and another reason why every solved crossword clue feels like a small victory. Keep digging for those fascinating facts; you never know what astonishing revelation awaits you in the next puzzle!
Available Answers:
HARD TRUTH.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0702-25 NY Times Crossword 2 Jul 25, Wednesday