Source of minerals - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Welcome, puzzle solvers! Today we're looking at a classic crossword clue: "Source of minerals". This is one of those foundational clues that you'll see time and time again. Its brevity and common answer make it a favorite for puzzle constructors, especially for filling in tight corners of the grid. Let's dig in!

Clue Analysis

The clue is a straightforward definition. It asks for a term that describes where we get minerals from.

• "Source": This points to an origin, a raw material, or a place from which something is obtained.
• "Minerals": In this context, it refers to economically valuable substances, particularly metals like iron, copper, or gold, that are extracted from the ground.

Putting it together, the clue is asking for the name of the natural rock or sediment that contains these valuable minerals. The answer is a three-letter word that is fundamental to mining and geology.

Thinking Approaches

For a clue this direct, a few strategies can lead you to the answer:

1. Direct Definition: The most efficient path is simply knowing the vocabulary. If you hear "source of minerals," your brain might immediately jump to the correct term. This is a common piece of general knowledge.
2. Word Association: If the answer isn't coming to you, start brainstorming related words. Think about mining, rocks, geology, metals. Words like mine, lode, vein, and rock might come to mind. The answer we're looking for is the general term for the material itself.
3. Use the Crossings: Since the answer is very short, even one crossing letter is a massive help. If you have the 'O' and the 'E' (_O_E), the answer becomes almost certain. If you just have the 'R' (R), it's a bit tougher, but it still narrows the possibilities significantly.

Background Context

The answer refers to ore, which is a fundamental concept in geology and economics. An Ore is a type of rock that contains sufficient minerals with important elements, including metals, that can be economically extracted from the rock.

For example:

• Iron ore (like hematite or magnetite) is mined to produce iron and steel.
• Bauxite is the primary ore for aluminum.
• Chalcopyrite is a common copper ore.

The process of extracting the desired metal from the ore is called smelting. The value of an ore deposit depends on how concentrated the minerals are and how difficult it is to extract them.

Conclusion

The clue "Source of minerals" is a crossword staple for a reason. It's a clear, concise definition of a common word with friendly letters (O, R, E). Recognizing these classic clues is a key skill for improving your solving speed. Once you've seen this one a few times, it will become an automatic fill, helping you build a foothold in any puzzle where it appears.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think about where valuable metals and other elements are found in nature.
2. Hint 2: This is a naturally occurring solid material from which a metal or valuable mineral can be profitably extracted.
3. Hint 3: It's often mined from the earth.
4. Hint 4: This three-letter word rhymes with 'more' and 'pour'.

The answer to the clue "Source of minerals" is ORE.