Sapphire

The heaven-hued sapphire ~ Shakespeare

Sapphire is a precious gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum, consisting of aluminium oxide with trace amounts of elements such as iron, titanium, cobalt, lead, chromium, vanadium, magnesium, boron, and silicon.

Quotes

• [H]is belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.
  • Song of Solomon 5:14 (KJV)

• Sapphire produces peace of mind and equanimity. It chases out evil thoughts by establishing healthy circulation. It opens barred doors to the spirit. It produces a desire for prayer. It brings peace, but he who would wear it must lead a pure and holy life.
  • Buddhist saying, quoted by Ellen Conroy, The Symbolism of Colour (1921), p. 29

• The Indy saphyre blew
  Her vaynès doth ennew;
  • John Skelton, "The Commendacions of maystres Jane Scrope"
  • The Boke of Phyllyp Sparrowe (1545)

• The heaven-hued sapphire
  • William Shakespeare, A Lover's Complaint (1609)

• Between thy breasts (than down of swans more white)
  There plays the sapphire with the chrysolite.
  • Robert Herrick, "To Julia", Hesperides (1648)

• Whilst the fond people offer’d Sacrifice
  To Saphyrs, ’stead of Veins and Arteries,
  And bow’d unto the Diamonds, not her Eyes.
  • Richard Lovelace, "Another. A Black Patch on Lucasta’s Face", Posthume Poems (1659)

• A sapphire shines as blue as heaven;
  • Christina Rossetti, "Jewels", Sing-Song (1893)

• I have sapphires and rare gems
  On my mantle’s sacred hems,
  • Francis Saltus Saltus, "Lot’s Wife", The Witch of En-dor, and Other Poems (1891)