3 Down

NYT Daily • July 31, 2025

Main component of steatite

Answer:

TALC

Hint:

["**Hint:** This soft mineral is often used in powdered form for cosmetic or industrial purposes.\n\n*(This hint points to a common use of talc, making it easier to recall without directly stating the answer.)*"]

Explanation:

Certainly! Here's a clear and concise explanation of the clue and answer: **Clue:** "Main component of steatite" **Answer:** "TALC" **Explanation:** Steatite is a type of metamorphic rock primarily composed of the mineral **talc**. The clue directly refers to the chemical or geological makeup of steatite, with "main component" indicating the primary substance it contains. There is no wordplay or pun here—it's a straightforward definition-based clue where knowledge of geology or mineralogy leads to the answer. In crosswords, such clues often rely on factual knowledge rather than linguistic tricks, making "talc" the correct and logical answer.

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