oriental amethyst

noun

: a purple corundum used as a gem
Due to the Asiatic origin of the stones, the yellow variety is sometimes called 'Oriental topaz', the dark green 'Oriental emerald', and the purple 'Oriental amethyst'.H. Newman, An Illustrated Dictionary of Jewelry, 1981

Word History

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oriental amethyst was in 1753

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Cite this Entry

“Oriental amethyst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oriental%20amethyst. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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