Vocabulary Building Blocks: (58 Across) topaz (NOUN) 1. A native silicate of aluminum, occurring in prismatic crystals of various colors, but chiefly yellow to brownish, that are valued as gemstones; fluosilicate of aluminum 2. A yellow variety of sapphire. 3. A yellow quartz. Synonyms: common topaz, false topaz. 4. A light brown. [Derived from Old French, from Latin, from Greek: topazos.

Did You Know? (26 Down) The Outer Banks of North Carolina are a string of long narrow barrier islands that are separated from the mainland of the state by Pamlico Sound. The body of water called Pamlico Sound is 80 miles (130 km) long and between 10 and 25 miles (15-40 km) wide. The barrier islands that enclose the area are a popular vacation spot which offers a large variety of seaside activities, including excellent deep-sea fishing. Much of the area is encompassed by the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the Cape Lookout National Seashore. There are also numerous historical sites in the region including Kitty Hawk.