sapphire

[ saf-ahyuhr ]

noun

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

adjective

1. resembling sapphire; deep blue:

   a sapphire sky.

sapphire

/ ˈsæfaɪə /

noun

1. 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

2. 1. the blue colour of sapphire
   2. ( as adjective )

      sapphire eyes

sapphire

/ săf′īr′ /

1. 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.
2. Compare ruby

Word 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 sapphīrus, sappīrus, from Greek sáppheiros, perhaps “lapis lazuli, lazurite, sapphire,” probably from Semitic (compare Hebrew sappīr, and probably a loanword in Semitic); sappīr and related Semitic forms perhaps come from Sanskrit śanipuriya “dear to (the planet) Saturn,” equivalent to Śani “(the planet) Saturn” + priyá- “dear”; further origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of sapphire¹

C13 safir, from Old French, from Latin sapphīrus, from Greek sappheiros, perhaps from Hebrew sappīr, ultimately perhaps from Sanskrit śanipriya, literally: beloved of the planet Saturn, from śani Saturn + priya beloved

Example Sentences

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".

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

Despite California’s sapphire tilt, the state’s donors are the mother lode of campaign cash for both parties.

From Los Angeles Times

The experiments the researchers used to find this effect involved shooting tiny particles of sapphire, just millionths of a meter across, at flat sheets of metal.

From Science Daily

He had that sapphire cut in mind when he designed mine.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blue-green

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 sáppheiros, which may have referred to lapis lazuli, lazurite, or sapphire itself. The earlier Semitic form sappīr may come from the Sanskrit śanipuriya, 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.

Did you know ... ?

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

• star sapphire
• sapphirine

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

• precious
• gem
• gemstone
• blue
• stone
• mineral
• birthstone
• September

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. pic.twitter.com/TNnftr7lrb

— Marina Amaral (@marinamaral2) August 17, 2021

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 pic.twitter.com/zyhSH4JhBA

— GIA (@GIAnews) July 26, 2020

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) February 24, 2021

 

Try using sapphire!

True or False?

Sapphires and rubies are different varieties of the same mineral.