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countable and uncountable, plural sapphires
(countable) A clear deep blue variety of corundum, valued as a precious stone. quotations examples
Although there are dozens of different types of gems, among the best known and most important are diamond, ruby and sapphire, emerald and other gem forms of the mineral beryl, chrysoberyl, tanzanite, tsavorite, topaz and jade.
2012 March, Lee A. Groat, “Gemstones”, in American Scientist, volume 100, number 2, archived from the original on 14 June 2012, page 128
(countable and uncountable) A white, yellow, or purple variety of corundum, either clear or translucent. examples
(countable and uncountable) A deep blue colour. examples
(heraldry) Azure, when blazoning by precious stones. quotations examples
Elgin. Topaz a Saltier and Chief Ruby, on a Canton Pearl a Lyon Rampant Saphyr, which last is their paternal Coat; […]
1720, Francis Nichols, Rudiments of Honour, page 296
3. Saphire, ten Bezants, 4, 3, 2, 1, by the Bisset.
1726, John Guillim, The Banner Display'd; Or, an Abridgment of Guillim, page 504
(2) Topaz, a Chief Indented, Saphire.
1754, John Lodge, The Peerage of Ireland; Or, a Genealogical History of the ..., page 71
Topaz, on a Cross, Sapphire, a Crosier thrust through a Mitre, Topaz.
1756, Francis Nichols, The Irish Compendium, Or, Rudiments of Honour, Containing the Descent, Marriage, Isssue, Titles, Posts, and Seats, of All the Nobility of Ireland..., page 440
(countable) Any hummingbird in the genera Hylocharis and Chlorestes, as well as the rufous-throated sapphire, which is now in the genus Amazilia. examples
Any of the butterflies in the southern Asian lycaenid genus Heliophorus or the African lycaenid genus Iolaus. examples
comparative more sapphire, superlative most sapphire
of a deep blue colour. examples
pertaining to a 45th year examples