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Sapphire is a precious gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide), typically blue but also found in various colors, excluding red which is classified as a ruby.

Here's a more detailed description:

• Mineral Composition:

  Sapphires are made of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) with trace amounts of elements like iron, titanium, cobalt, chromium, vanadium, magnesium, boron, and silicon, which contribute to their color.

• Color:

  While the most well-known sapphire is blue, they can occur in a wide range of colors, including yellow, purple, orange, green, and even colorless.

• Hardness:

  Sapphires are exceptionally hard, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale, making them second only to diamonds in durability.

• Etymology:

  The name "sapphire" comes from the Latin word sapphirus and the Greek word sappheiros, both referring to a blue stone.

• Fancy Sapphires:

  Sapphires that are not blue are often referred to as "fancy sapphires".