Powdery mineral NYT Crossword clue hints

I had some trouble solving the “powdery mineral” clue in today’s NYT Mini Crossword, even with a Chemistry major. At first, I thought the clue referred to a general name for powdery minerals, but it turns out it’s about a specific one you’ve probably heard of before.

Word game aficionados who are also parents, in particular, will probably have an “a-ha” moment with these hints. Here are some tips to help you get closer to the right answer for “powdery mineral.”

Hints and answer to “powdery mineral” NYT Mini Crossword clue

Answers about the qualities of powdery minerals, like “fine,” are not the answer.

This mineral is part of many products we use every day.

The main ingredient of baby powder, sometimes replaced by starch in such products.

Click the tabs below to reveal the answer letter by letter.

T—

TA–

TAL-

TALC

The “powdery mineral” answer is TALC.

How to play more Mini Crossword puzzles

You can visit the LA Times or Washington Post websites for their original mini crossword puzzles, which are different from the NYT’s. If you want more from the NYT, subscribe online to access their puzzle archive. I also highly recommend trying Strands and Spelling Bee for a new word game challenge.