Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1845
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ELIE RUBY, n. comb. A name given to a small garnet found on the sea-shore near Elie in Fifeshire; "the place where they are to be found is still known locally as Ruby Bay" (Abd.29 1950).Fif. 1845 Stat. Acc.2 IX. 284:
At Sauchur Point, a beautiful gem is met with . . . of a deep reddish colour . . . from the size of a small grain to that of a garden pea. It is usually denominated "the Elie Ruby," being confined to this parish. . . . It is allied to the carbuncle of the ancients, and by modern mineralogists is termed Almandine.
