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undum; esp., the blue transparent variety of corundum, highly prized as a gem. of rubies, sapphires, and of pearlés white. Chaucer.

A deep blue variety of iolite, sometimes used as a gem; -- called also saphir d'eau.

stone. Oriental amethyst, the violet-blue variety of transparent crystallized corundum or sapphire.

An imposing series of things. Their long array of sapphire and of gold. Byron.

Radiated, with diverging rays; as, asteriated sapphire.

ptical property of some crystals which exhibit a star- shaped by reflected light, as star sapphire, or by transmitted light, as some mica.

, or a hue resembling it, whether lighter or darker; as, the deep, blue sea; as blue as a sapphire; blue violets. "The blue firmament." Milton.

nge, and becomes of the color of burning coal. The name belongs for the most part to ruby sapphire, though it has been also given to red spinel and garnet.

The earth alumina, as found native in a crystalline state, including sapphire, which is the fine blue variety; the oriental ruby, or red sapphire; the oriental amethyst, or purple sapphire; and adamantine spar, the hair-brown variety. It is the hardest substance found native, next to the diamond.

A precious stone of any kind, as the ruby, emerald, topaz, sapphire, beryl, spinel, etc., especially when cut and polished for ornament; a jewel. Milton.

A kind of blue sapphire brought from Ceylon. Dana.

Resembling sapphire; made of sapphire; having the color, or any quality of sapphire. "Sapphirine degree of hardness." Boyle.

m general intercourse or notice; in retirement or secrecy; secluded. There, secret in her sapphire cell, He with the Naïs wont to dwell. Fenton.

Asteriated sapphire.

against or over; to rub lightly along. Their long descending train, With rubies edged and sapphires, swept the plain. Dryden.