Definition
A precious gemstone that is a variety of the mineral corundum, typically blue in color, though it can occur in many other hues. It ranks 9 on the Mohs hardness scale and is highly valued in jewelry.
Example Usage
She inherited her grandmother's sapphire engagement ring.
Origin
From Greek 'sappheiros,' possibly derived from Hebrew 'sappir,' referring to a blue stone.
Fun Fact
Sapphires can be naturally colored by trace elements like iron and titanium, and the rarest variety, the Padparadscha, resembles a lotus blossom in color.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
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