SAPPHIRE Definition & Meaning

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sapphire

[ saf-ahyuhr ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

any gem variety of corundum other than the ruby, especially one of the blue varieties.
a gem of this kind.
the color of this gem, a deep blue.

adjective

resembling sapphire; deep blue:
a sapphire sky.

sapphire

/ ˈ��æ�ڲ�ɪə /

noun

1. any precious corundum gemstone that is not red, esp the highly valued transparent blue variety. A synthetic form is used in electronics and precision apparatus. Formula: Al 2 O 3
2. ( as modifier )
  a sapphire ring
1. the blue colour of sapphire
2. ( as adjective )
  sapphire eyes

sapphire

/ ��ă��′ī��′ /

A clear, fairly pure form of the mineral corundum that is usually blue but may be any color except red. It often contains small amounts of oxides of cobalt, chromium, and titanium and is valued as a gem.
Compare ruby

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of sapphire¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English saphir(e), saph(i)er, from Old French safir(e), saffir, saffer, from Latin ��ī��ܲ�, ��ī��us, from Greek ��á��𾱰��ǲ�, perhaps “lapis lazuli, lazurite, sapphire,” probably from Semitic (compare Hebrew ��ī��, and probably a loanword in Semitic); ��ī�� and related Semitic forms perhaps come from Sanskrit ś��Ծ��ܰ��ⲹ “dear to (the planet) Saturn,” equivalent to Ś��Ծ� “(the planet) Saturn” + ��á- “dear”; further origin uncertain

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of sapphire¹

C13 safir, from Old French, from Latin ��ī��ܲ�, from Greek sappheiros, perhaps from Hebrew ��ī��, ultimately perhaps from Sanskrit ś��Ծ��ⲹ, literally: beloved of the planet Saturn, from ś��Ծ� Saturn + priya beloved

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Around the edge lies a circle of 34 sapphires honoring late Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, who died in the midst of last year’s World Series run.

From

Among the items taken were distinctive pieces such as two De Beers butterfly diamond rings, pink sapphire earrings shaped like butterflies from Katherine Wang, and a gold, diamond and sapphire Van Cleef necklace.

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"Future research is unlikely to find a better orientation, particularly on the cost-efficient sapphire substrates, because only two tilted directions can be fit to it," Pristovsek said.

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He says we will see brightly coloured gemstones like rubies, emeralds, and sapphires take the spotlight and "a lot of asymmetrical designs and chunky, unconventional shapes".

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Over 25 carats of diamonds surround the band, and an unenhanced pink sapphire sits at its center.

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More About Sapphire

What does��sapphire mean?

Sapphire is a transparent gemstone known for its deep-blue variety.

Sapphire belongs to the corundum family of minerals. Sapphires come in a variety of colors (including completely clear), but if a color is not specified, the word sapphire usually refers to the blue kind. This is the most well-known and is classified as a precious gem, meaning that it has a high commercial value. Some varieties of sapphire, like the one known as star sapphire, are considered even more valuable.

Sapphire is popular in jewelry. It is one of the birthstones for the month of September. It is associated with the zodiac sign of Taurus.

Some sapphires are synthetic, meaning they are manufactured, as opposed to being formed naturally. Due to its hardness, synthetic sapphire is used in a variety of practical applications, including as a material to make windows, lasers, and circuits. It is sometimes used as an abrasive, which is a material used for grinding and polishing.

The word sapphire is also sometimes used to refer to a deep-blue color.

Example: If I had the money, I’d buy that deep-blue sapphire ring.

Where does��sapphire come from?

The first records of the word sapphire come from around the 1200s. It comes from the Greek ��á��𾱰��ǲ�, which may have referred to lapis lazuli, lazurite, or sapphire itself. The earlier Semitic form ��ī�� may come from the Sanskrit ś��Ծ��ܰ��ⲹ, meaning “dear to (the planet) Saturn.”

Sapphire occurs in many igneous rocks and is a variety of the mineral corundum, which is a form of aluminum oxide and is one of the hardest known substances. The red variety of corundum is known as a ruby, another precious gemstone. The blue coloring of sapphire is due to small amounts of iron and titanium.

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What are some words that share a root or word element with sapphire?��

What are some words that often get used in discussing sapphire?

How is��sapphire used in real life?

Sapphires are among the most popular and well-known gemstones. They’re especially known for their use in jewelry. Because the blue variety is so well-known, the word sapphire is also used to refer to that color.

This 2,000 years-old sapphire ring presumably belonged to Roman emperor Caligula. It's very likely that it depicts his fourth wife, Caesonia.

— Marina Amaral (@marinamaral2)

This group of asteriated gems include star sapphire, star ruby, star white sapphire and star purplish pink sapphire from Sri Lanka. Star corundum with crisp centered stars and high transparency like these are incredibly rare! Courtesy: Rafco International

— GIA (@GIAnews)

Yesterday I bought this really pretty sapphire blue eyeliner at Ulta and today I found the matching mascara and I’m TOO EXCITED 😍💙💙

— Medinaaa🦷✨ (@wala_medina)

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True or False?

Sapphires and rubies are different varieties of the same mineral.

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