Crossword Genius

Stone ring, intimate (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

opal

'stone' is the definition.
(gemstone)

'ring intimate' is the wordplay.
'ring' becomes 'O' (letter resembling a ring).
'intimate' becomes 'pal' (both can mean a friend).
'o'+'pal'='OPAL'

(Other definitions for opal that I've seen before include "Precious stone" , "Mineral, usually iridescent" , "Semi-precious stone of b;uish white colour" , "Milky-white mineral" , "raw material" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app