Issue #773 Wed 15 Apr
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — April 15, 2026
A collection of storied minerals, each assigned to a specific time of year to mark the passage of time.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
A small velvet box is opened to reveal a shimmering gem assigned to the day you arrived in the world.
Geology and calendar traditions
CALENDAR GEM MINERALS
Spangram 4 hints · 10 letters
The connector word
A single compound noun.
10 letters.
Starts with B, ends with E.
BIRTH STONE
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 D (7 letters)
- 2 G (6 letters)
- 3 O (4 letters)
- 4 P (7 letters)
- 5 T (5 letters)
- 6 T (9 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 DI (7 letters)
- 2 GA (6 letters)
- 3 OP (4 letters)
- 4 PE (7 letters)
- 5 TO (5 letters)
- 6 TU (9 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
This famously hard, crystalline mineral is the traditional symbol for a mid-spring anniversary.
7 letters.
Starts with D.
Starts with DI.
DIAMOND
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
Often found in a deep, rich red, this mineral is traditionally assigned to those born in January.
6 letters.
Starts with G.
Starts with GA.
GARNET
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Known for its unique play of color, this mineral is the representative gem for October.
4 letters.
Starts with O.
Starts with OP.
OPAL
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
A distinctive olive-green mineral that serves as the emblem for mid-summer.
7 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PE.
PERIDOT
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
This golden-hued or occasionally blue mineral is widely recognized as the gem for November.
5 letters.
Starts with T.
Starts with TO.
TOPAZ
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 9 letters
A theme word
An opaque, sky-blue mineral often found in historic Southwestern jewelry, representing December.
9 letters.
Starts with T.
Starts with TU.
TURQUOISE
Spoiler zone
Complete Strands answer
Open only the solution you want to see. Each answer stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the spangram
Reveal all theme words
- DIAMOND
- GARNET
- OPAL
- PERIDOT
- TOPAZ
- TURQUOISE
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on April 15, 2026. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for April 15, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on April 15, 2026?
NYT Strands on April 15, 2026 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 6 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the April 15, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 10 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "B" — the hints above ease you toward the rest one step at a time, without spelling it out.
What is the theme of NYT Strands on April 15, 2026?
We keep the theme under wraps here so nothing is spoiled — but the ladder above walks you into it, starting with the puzzle's overall vibe. Want it stated outright, with the spangram and all 6 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 10-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 10-letter spangram